Some wipes may be suitable for flushing if they meet the Australian and New Zealand Flushable Products Standard, AS/NZS 5328:2022. Check the packaging for a clear statement that the product meets that standard, follow its directions and check your local water utility’s advice. Without that confirmation, use an appropriate bin.
For businesses, the practical challenge is making sure staff and visitors understand which products belong in the toilet and which need a separate disposal option.
What does the flushable products standard cover?
Standards Australia explains that AS/NZS 5328 sets testing criteria and labelling requirements for products intended to be flushed. It gives manufacturers a way to assess whether a product is suitable for disposal through wastewater systems.
A wipe disappearing from the toilet bowl does not, by itself, demonstrate that it meets those criteria. Purchasing decisions should be based on the specific product’s packaging and supporting information.
Is the word “flushable” on the packet enough?
Look for an explicit reference to AS/NZS 5328:2022 and the relevant flushable symbol. The Water Services Association of Australia’s guidance explains that overseas industry codes are not equivalent to the Australian and New Zealand standard.
Ask your supplier to confirm the exact product being supplied, especially when substitutes are offered. A purchasing note that simply says “wet wipes” leaves room for staff to receive products with different disposal instructions.
What does current water utility guidance say?
Sydney Water recommends flushing pee, poo and toilet paper, with an exception for products that have met AS/NZS 5328:2022. Its advice tells users to check wipe packaging for the flushable icon and the standard.
For a workplace with mixed products or products brought in by visitors, a clear bin-disposal instruction can be easier to apply consistently. Check that your signs match the products you supply and the advice applying to your premises.
What should stay out of workplace toilets?
Paper towels, tissues, sanitary pads, tampons and nappies need suitable disposal arrangements. Do not assume that baby wipes, surface wipes or disinfectant wipes are flushable; check the individual product against the standard and its instructions.
Provide sanitary disposal bins where period products are used and nappy disposal bins in relevant changing facilities. Provide appropriate bins for other non-flushable items and confirm accepted materials with your waste provider.
What can your business change this week?
Check the wipes and paper products currently being ordered. Keep disposal instructions available to the staff who use them, including cleaning teams, and explain any product changes.
Walk through each washroom and check whether a user can find the right bin easily. Review signage and emptying arrangements together: a sign directing people to a bin is only useful when that bin is available and has capacity.
How can Sanokil help with washroom disposal?
Sanokil supplies serviced sanitary and nappy disposal units, with the used unit exchanged for a sanitised replacement at scheduled visits. Appropriate bin placement and a service interval matched to use can support your washroom waste procedures.
Contact Sanokil or call 1800 992 135 to discuss disposal bins and servicing for your business.
