St. Paul, Minn.-. Yesterday, the Minnesota House Environment and Natural Resources Committee heard a bill that would help ease the expensive problems caused by disposable wipes for community wastewater systems. The bill initially scheduled for a vote, was held over and will not move forward through the normal legislative process. The bill, House File 2842, seeks to ban “flushable,” “septic safe,” and “sewer safe” labeling from wipes sold in Minnesota. It also requires packaging to include a “Do not flush” message, which would inform consumers not to flush them down the toilet and over time reduce the number of wipes being flushed. Disposable wipes are wipes that are used for changing diapers, personal hygiene and house cleaning. Rep. Hansen released the following statement:
“These wipes are costing cities a ton of money every year. This is a major problem throughout the entire state. From Minnetonka to St. Peter, there are many cities that are having to spend tens of thousands of dollars clearing up these wipes from their wastewater systems. This bill had broad bipartisan support, but rather than taking an honest vote on the bill, the House GOP held it over to help protect their corporate special interests. The people of Minnesota expect more out of their government.”
Rep. Hansen can be reached at 651-260-8583 or by email at rep.rick.hansen@house.mn.
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