Non-Flushable Wipes Legislation
Stay informed about the latest regulations and policies related to responsible flushing. Find information on relevant state and federal legislation impacting wastewater management.
Seven states have proper labeling of wet wipes laws on the books. The laws require manufacturers of non-flushable wet wipes to prominently display the Do Not Flush symbol and notice on all baby wipes and other wet wipes that contain petrochemical fibers and could be used in the bathroom. The goal of these laws is to help consumers understand that Do Not Flush labeled wipes always go in the trash, never the toilet. These laws do not apply to wipes labeled flushable, as they are engineered differently from non-flushable wipes.
Fast Facts
- 90% of wet wipes sold in the U.S. are non-flushable
- Non-flushable wipes are made with long fibers and are meant for a variety of uses, from household cleaning chores to makeup removal, and for cleaning babies’ delicate skin
- 10% of wet wipes sold in the U.S. are labeled flushable
- Flushable wipes are made with short, plant-based fibers that are engineered to break down in water like dry toilet paper
California
On July 1, 2022, a law went into effect in California requiring the packaging of all premoisten disposable wipes not meant to be flushed down the toilet in the state to be labeled clearly and conspicuously with the phrase Do Not Flush and the related symbol. The law also requires a comprehensive multimedia education and outreach program in the state, which RFA helps deliver in partnership with wipes manufacturers.
Colorado
On April 11, 2023, Colorado joined California, Washington, Oregon, and Illinois in enacting a law regarding the proper labeling of non-flushable wet wipes. By December 31, 2023, non-flushable wet wipes sold in Colorado, including baby wipes, bathroom cleaning wipes, disinfecting and antibacterial wipes, facial cleansing wipes, and other non-flushable wipes commonly used in a bathroom, must have the “Do Not Flush” symbol prominently displayed on the packaging.
Illinois
On July 1, 2022, a law went into effect requiring manufacturers of household disposable wipes for sale in the state of Illinois to clearly display the Do Not Flush label on wipes that should not be flushed down the toilet.
New Jersey
On May 15, 2023, New Jersey was the seventh state to adopt a proper labeling of non-flushable wet wipes law.
Michigan
On Feb 1, 2025, a new Michigan law went into effect requiring baby wipes, surface cleaning wipes and other non-flushable wipes commonly used in the bathroom to prominently display the Do Not Flush symbol on packaging.
Oregon
On September 25, 2021, a law in Oregon went into effect requiring manufacturers of wipes not intended for disposal in the toilet to include clear Do Not Flush labeling on packaging.
Washington
On March 25, 2020, Washington state became the first state to put a wipes labeling law into effect. The law requires Do Not Flush labels on non-flushable wipes packaging, with language to specify the size, placement and contrast of the logo.
Federal: The WIPPES Act
The Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act (S.1350/H.R. 2964), or WIPPES Act, is a key Congressional effort to provide a federal standard and national enforcement of Do Not Flush labeling for wipes labeling. The WIPPES Act has advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and now awaits a vote on the House Floor.
The WIPPES Act requires entities responsible for the labeling or retail packaging of certain premoistened, nonwoven wipes, including all baby wipes and any wipe used in the bathroom containing plastic (e.g., baby wipes, cleaning wipes, personal care wipes), to label such products clearly and conspicuously with the phrase Do Not Flush and accompanying symbol as depicted under specified industry guidelines.
The WIPPES Act and the existing state laws do not pertain to wet wipes labeled as flushable as they are made with short, plant- based fibers specifically engineered to breakdown in water similar to dry toilet paper.
The Responsible Flushing Alliance is happy to support this bill alongside industry and wastewater partners.