CWWA Participating in Flushable Wipes Efforts
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As concerns continue about the impact of flushable and non-flushable wipes on our wastewater systems, collaborative efforts are underway between the product producers and the wastewater industry.
The wipes producers and sellers are represented by their trade organization known as INDA, while the wastewater industry is represented by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the American Public Works Association (APWA) and the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA).
Three simultaneous efforts are under way;
- Technical Working Group - with reps from WEF, NACWA and CWWA collaborating with INDA to revise and improve their Guidance Document, a voluntary standard for their industry members. GD-4 would set higher standards for dispersibility. CWWA is represented by Dwayne Kalynchuk of the City of Victoria and CWWA executive director Robert Haller.
- Product Stewardship Group – with reps from all the same organizations developing guidelines for the packaging, labeling and public education efforts. CWWA is represented by Robert Haller. See Press Release below
- ISO Standard – CWWA is leading an international effort to develop an ISO standard that will set the definition for the term ‘flushable’ or ‘dispersible’that will help in the development of enforceable national, provincial or even local regulations. CWWA is represented here by our former executive director Duncan Ellison and Barry Orr of the City of London.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 19, 2015
Associations Collaborate to Launch Improved "Flushability" Guidelines to Reduce Impacts of Improper Wipes Disposal
The group will also meet next week to discuss the establishment of a new Product Stewardship Initiative
CARY, NC, WASHINGTON, DC – A group of five associations, representing the water sector and the nonwoven fabrics industry, announced today that they are working collaboratively on the joint development of a new edition of guidelines that will influence product design and support the marketing of nonwoven products as "flushable," with no adverse effects on wastewater systems. The associations also announced today a meeting to take place March 26th, in Washington, DC, where they will explore the establishment of a collaborative product stewardship initiative to promote greater responsibility for the proper disposal of nonwoven products, including wipes not designed to be flushed.
The association group, which includes INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry; NACWA, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies; APWA, the American Public Works Association; WEF, the Water Environment Federation; as well as CWWA, the Canadian Water & Wastewater Association, began developing the new edition on January 27, 2015 and is scheduled to complete the process by July, 2016. The new "Fourth Edition" guidelines will build on the framework of the "Third Edition Guidance Document for Assessing the Flushabiity of Nonwoven Disposable Products," which is the current voluntary guidance used by the wipes industry. The Third Edition Guidance Document represents a reasonable framework to which new information and collaborative sharing of technical expertise between the wastewater sector and the nonwoven fabrics industry should be applied to further improve the flushability guidelines.
The primary goal for the March 26th meeting will be to explore opportunities to increase public and consumer awareness about the proper disposal of the nonwoven wipes products, and also to increase the wipes industry’s responsibility over downstream impacts of these products. The meeting will include wastewater sector representatives, as well as the sustainability and marketing leaders of the nonwoven fabrics industry.
Given the issues associated with non-flushable products, the group is eager to get started on these key objectives. "Some nonwoven wipes products are not designed to be flushed but get inappropriately flushed anyway, so INDA is working together with NACWA, APWA, WEF and CWWA to develop improved flushability guidelines and other efforts to help alleviate the problems caused in the wastewater systems," said INDA President Dave Rousse.
As a group, the associations would like to see improvement in the labelling of wipes that are not designed to be flushed, as well as the development of strategies for a broader consumer education effort about the proper disposal of wipes. "APWA welcomes the collaborative product stewardship process, and the discussions about the products that are commonly flushed and causing problems in wastewater systems," said APWA Executive Director Peter B. King. "Public works professionals across North America also welcome the improved labeling of products to educate consumers and reduce the amount of non-flushable products in our municipal water systems."
The intent, following the initial product stewardship meeting, is for the associations to develop a roadmap for future activities, including improved product labeling, increased public education, and better consumer information regarding product flushability. Depending on the directions developed during the product stewardship process, the initiative could be expanded to include other consumer products that are commonly flushed and cause problems in wastewater systems, such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs and other materials.
"NACWA looks forward to working with the wipes industry to help improve consumer awareness about products that should and should not be flushed," said NACWA Executive Director Ken Kirk. "Toilets are not trash cans, and reducing the amount of inappropriately flushed products will save utilities millions of dollars each year."
"The burden created by non-flushable products for public wastewater utilities must be reduced," said WEF Executive Director Eileen O’Neill. "The new flushability guidelines and collaborative efforts to improve product stewardship practices are important steps to reducing negative impacts by improving product design and increasing consumer awareness about what should and should not be flushed."
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About INDA
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, serves hundreds of member companies in the nonwovens/engineered fabrics industry in global commerce. Since 1968, INDA events have helped members connect, learn, innovate, and develop their businesses. INDA educational courses, market data, test methods, consultancy, and issue advocacy help members succeed by providing them the information they need to better plan and execute their business strategies. For more information, visit www.inda.org, or download the INDA mobile app for immediate updates.
INDA Media Contact: Joan Izzo, Director of Marketing, 919-459-3717, jizzo@inda.org
About NACWA
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) is the leading advocate for responsible national policies that advance clean water. NACWA represents the collective interests of America's clean water utilities nationwide – and their clear commitment to America’s waters. For over 40 years, NACWA has been the clean water community’s voice in Congress, at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other federal agencies, as well as in the media and in the courts. To learn more about NACWA visit us at www.nacwa.org.
NACWA Media Contact: Cynthia Finley, Director of Regulatory Affairs, 202-533-1836, cfinley@nacwa.org
About APWA
The American Public Works Association (APWA) is a not-for-profit, international organization of more than 28,500 members involved in the field of public works. APWA serves its members by promoting professional excellence and public awareness through education, advocacy and the exchange of knowledge. APWA is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, has an office in Washington, D.C. and 63 chapters in North America. For more information, visit www.apwa.net.
APWA Media Contact: Laura Bynum, Media Affairs Manager, 202-218-6736, lbynum@apwa.net
About WEF
Founded in 1928, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. WEF members, Member Associations and staff proudly work to achieve our mission to provide bold leadership, champion innovation, connect water professionals, and leverage knowledge to support clean and safe water worldwide. To learn more, visit www.wef.org.
WEF Media Contact: Lori Harrison, Director of Communications, 703-684-2480, lharrison@wef.org
About CWWA
The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) is ‘THE" national voice for the water industry in Canada representing municipal utilities and the private sector forms that support those utilities. To learn more, visit www.cwwa.ca.
CWWA Media Contact: Robert Haller, Executive Director, 1-613-246-6456, rhaller@cwwa.ca
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