To require certain products to be labeled with ‘Do Not Flush’ labeling, and for other purposes.
Sponsors
Legislative Progress
ReportedReported by Mr. Cruz, with an amendment
Mr. Merkley (for himself, Ms. Collins, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. King, …
Mr. Merkley (for himself, Ms. Collins, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. King, …
Summary
What This Bill Does
The WIPPES Act (Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act) requires all manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to place clear "Do Not Flush" labels and symbols on disposable wipes packaging. This includes baby wipes, cleaning wipes, disinfecting wipes, and personal care wipes that contain synthetic fibers and could be mistakenly flushed down toilets. The bill establishes specific labeling requirements for different types of packaging and gives the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) enforcement authority.
Who Benefits and How
Municipal wastewater utilities and taxpayers are the primary beneficiaries. When non-flushable wipes are flushed, they clog pipes, damage pumps, and create costly "fatbergs" that can cost millions of dollars to remove. By preventing flushing through clear labeling, utilities save on maintenance and repair costs, which translates to lower water and sewer bills for taxpayers. Environmental groups also benefit as fewer wipes in wastewater systems means less pollution in waterways and reduced strain on water treatment infrastructure. Consumers benefit from clearer product information that helps them avoid damaging their own plumbing.
Who Bears the Burden and How
Disposable wipes manufacturers face the most significant burden. They must redesign packaging across their entire product lines to include the required "Do Not Flush" symbol and text, ensuring it meets specific size requirements (at least 2% of the principal display panel), contrast requirements (70% contrast), and placement requirements that vary by packaging type. This involves costs for package redesign, printing plate changes, and potentially discarding existing inventory. Retailers must also ensure compliance, verify that products on shelves meet the new requirements, and potentially manage the transition of old to new packaging. Wholesalers and suppliers face supply chain adjustment costs as they coordinate the rollout of compliant packaging. The bill preempts state laws, so companies get the benefit of uniform national standards rather than a patchwork of state requirements.
Key Provisions
- Mandatory "Do Not Flush" labeling: All covered wipes must display both a standardized symbol (from industry flushability guidelines) and the text "Do Not Flush" on packaging, sized at minimum 2% of the principal display panel with 70% contrast
- Different rules for different packaging: Cylindrical containers (like wipes tubs) must show labels where users see them when dispensing; flexible film packages must display symbols on multiple panels; bulk packaging must label both outer and inner packages
- FTC enforcement: Violations are treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act, subjecting violators to FTC penalties
- Federal preemption: No state or local government can create different labeling requirements, establishing a uniform national standard
- One-year compliance period: Companies have one year from enactment to comply; products packaged before the deadline are grandfathered in
- Prohibition on misleading claims: Companies cannot make any express or implied representation that these products can be flushed
Evidence Chain:
This summary is derived from the structured analysis below. See "Detailed Analysis" for per-title beneficiaries/burden bearers with clause-level evidence links.
Primary Purpose
Requires manufacturers and retailers to place Do Not Flush labels on disposable wipes to prevent wastewater infrastructure damage and environmental pollution
Policy Domains
Legislative Strategy
"Use Federal Trade Commission enforcement to create uniform national labeling standards preventing municipal wastewater system damage from non-flushable wipes"
Likely Beneficiaries
- Municipal wastewater utilities (reduced infrastructure damage and maintenance costs)
- Environmental groups (reduced water pollution)
- Taxpayers (lower wastewater treatment costs)
- Consumers (clearer product information)
Likely Burden Bearers
- Disposable wipes manufacturers (packaging redesign, compliance costs)
- Retailers (inventory replacement, compliance verification)
- Wholesalers and suppliers (supply chain adjustments)
Bill Structure & Actor Mappings
Who is "The Secretary" in each section?
- "the_commission"
- → Federal Trade Commission
Key Definitions
Terms defined in this bill
The Do Not Flush symbol as depicted in INDA/EDANA Guidelines for Assessing Flushability
The written phrase Do Not Flush
Light on dark or dark on light background with at least 70% contrast percentage using formula (B1-B2)/B1 * 100
Manufacturer, wholesaler, supplier, individual/group, or retailer responsible for labeling or retail packaging of covered products sold in the United States
Premoistened, nonwoven disposable wipes marketed as baby wipes/diapering wipes, OR household/personal care wipes composed entirely or in part of petrochemical-derived fibers with significant potential to be flushed (includes antibacterial wipes, disinfecting wipes, bathroom cleaning wipes, personal care wipes)
The side of product package most likely to be displayed at retail; for cylindrical packages at least 40% surface area, for flexible film measured by length x width when pressed flat
We use a combination of our own taxonomy and classification in addition to large language models to assess meaning and potential beneficiaries. High confidence means strong textual evidence. Always verify with the original bill text.
Learn more about our methodology