AB 1672 (Bloom)—Flushable Products

Overview: This bill establishes criteria for "flushability" for nonwoven disposable products and requires non-flushable labels on nonwoven disposable products that do not meet those flushable criteria.

CAW Position: Support

Status: Active in Assembly Appropriations Committee

In Context: When wet wipes products are flushed into the sewer system they can cause significant issues for private property owners, sewer collection systems, and wastewater treatment plants.  Wet products that do not break down can catch on tree roots or other obstructions in residential sewer laterals and cause costly and dangerous backups for property owners.  Wet wipes have been shown to cause significant damage to residential septic systems, resulting in expensive repairs and remediation for homeowners.  

Bill Summary: AB 1672 presents a straightforward solution to helping combat the aforementioned problems caused by improperly flushing wet wipes.  The bill prescribes clear and consistent consumer messaging for these products that indicates to consumers that either a wipe is 'flushable,' or it is not.  Under the provisions of AB 1672, wipes can be labeled as 'flushable' if they do not cause harm to the sewer system, meaning that manufacturers can demonstrate that their wipes break down in the sewer system like dry toilet paper.  For all other wipes that are not intended to be flushed, they must be conspicuously marked with 'Do Not Flush' labeling.

Current language, analysis, and votes

Supporters: For a full list of supporters, see the Assembly Environmental Safety Committee analysis here.

CAW Staff Contact: Robert Nunez, (916)443-5422