Can You Flush Cigarettes Down The Toilet? (Find Out Now!)
Did you know people collectively smoke approximately 5.5 trillion cigarettes every year? If you’ve seen the movies or even just a person walking down the street, you can probably picture someone flicking the butt into the ground, stomping it out, and walking away
However, this is not the right way to get rid of your cigarettes. Another way not to get rid of them is by flushing them down the toilet. Here’s why.
You should not flush cigarettes or cigarette butts down the toilet drain because they can cause terrible clogs and destroy your plumbing system, pile up in your septic system or the sewer lines, and contaminate water sources where they will then become harmful for sea life, wild life, and humans, too.
Cigarettes are not as large as paper towels, food scraps, or even cotton swabs, so it may come as a surprise to learn about the huge impact they can have at home and out in the world when flushed. Let’s dive a bit deeper into the topic, so you can better understand the stakes at hand.
Why You Should Not Flush Cigarettes
While you may be tempted to throw cigarette butts down the toilet to make sure they are fully extinguished, it is not the right way to get rid of them. There isn’t a perfect solution when it comes to disposing of cigarettes due to the chemicals and toxins inside them. However, flushing them down the toilet is by far one of the worst options.
Impact on the Environmental
Cigarettes contain a lot of chemicals, toxins, and carcinogens that are very harmful for the environment. If they even make it through your plumbing system, they will contaminate water sources, harm sea life, and wash ashore to negatively impact other animals, too.
Plus, they are nonbiodegradable. The mouthpieces and foam filters will never break down over time, which means they will build up in the sewer and contribute to overall pollution levels.
Clogs in Your Toilet and Pipes
Much like any foreign objects that go down the drain, cigarettes can easily cause a blockage. Since cigarettes are non-biodegradable, they can lodge themselves in pipes or in your septic system. Moreover, the foam filters in cigarettes will expand like a sponge once they come in contact with water, making it even harder for them to go down the drain.
Most often, cigarettes and cigarette butts will get stuck in the trap. Over time, this can lead to backups, slow flushing times, and more extensive plumbing damage. This is especially true if you continue flushing them down the drain.
How You Should Dispose of Cigarettes
The best way to throw out your cigarettes is to put them in the garbage can. As we said before, this is not a perfect solution.
It’s important to make sure the cigarette is completely distinguished before tossing it to avoid any risk of a fire. Some people may even pour water over the cigarette before disposing of it. This is where ashtrays come in handy. If you have an ashtray, you can place a used cigarette there before eventually throwing them away to ensure it is put out completely.
The same way you should refrain from flushing your cigarettes, you should not throw them on the ground either. This will still add to pollution and negatively impact the environment.
How to Fix a Toilet with a Cigarette Clog
If you’re experiencing issues with your toilet after flushing cigarettes down the drain, don’t stress. There are a couple easy and inexpensive fixes you can try to get your toilet back in working order in no time. If those don’t work, professional plumbers are usually just a quick phone call away.
Use a Plunger
Plunging your toilet should always be the first go-to solution. Plungers can dislodge clogs typically within a few minutes by moving pressure through the drain. For best results, run hot water over the plunger to soften it up. Also be sure to leave enough water in the bowl. If you’re not seeing results after about 10 minutes, it may be time to try something else.
Snake the Drain
If the clog is a bit further down the drain, a snake will be very helpful. Drain snakes, or augers, can wind further down your drain to break apart blockages caused by the accumulation of cigarette butts. When using a snake, it’s important to be careful. Incorrectly using one can scratch the inside of your toilet bowl and even ruin pipes.
Call a Professional
Cigarette clogs can be quite tricky, which means it’s likely you’ll need a professional on your side for larger blockages. With years of experience under their belt, professional plumbers will be able to resolve issues without causing further damage to your toilet or plumbing system.
Related Questions
What are cigarette receptacles?
Cigarette receptacles are containers that are made specifically for extinguishing and safely disposing of cigarettes. These bins can usually hold thousands of cigarette butts. They are also called ash urns, ash pans, butt bins, snuffers, and more.
Can you flush any tobacco products down the toilet?
No, much like cigarette butts, any tobacco products can easily clog your drains and negatively impact the environment due to the dangerous chemicals and carcinogens that are in them.
Are cigarette ashes good for soil?
Cigarette and cigar ash do contain potassium, which can help helpful for plant growth. That said, these options are not as healthy as natural fertilizers and there’s a change you will harm your plants rather than help them.
Final Thoughts
There is a select number of items that can safely go inside your toilet, and a cigarette is not one of them. On top of running the risk of clogging your pipes, cigarettes are terrible for the environment and can severely impact sea life, water sources, and other animals, too. Instead of risking all that, simply throw your cigarettes in the trash. You’ll save yourself a lot of trouble and have peace of mind knowing you’re not putting the planet in any danger.
I am a copywriter and editor based in the Las Vegas area with nearly a decade of experience under my belt writing landing pages, cost guides, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and social media content. I have a degree in Strategic Communication and experience working in both the account and creative spheres. My goal is to always be discovering new interests and bettering myself as a writer and editor along the way.
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