The State Public Services Commission of Tijuana (CESPT) is urging the community to help protect the city’s sewer system by avoiding the disposal of items that can block and collapse pipelines.

Jesús García Castro, CESPT general director, emphasized: “The toilet is not a trash can.” His statement comes amid increasingly frequent cases of clogged drains and sewer networks that require major efforts, equipment, and resources to clear.

According to CESPT, more than 75% of blockages in the sanitary system are caused by non-flushable wet wipes, commonly marketed as “wipes,” which are not designed to be disposed of in toilets.

In 2024 alone, 244 tons of waste were removed from wastewater treatment facilities, much of it consisting of wet wipes. Baby wipes represented about 75% of the identifiable waste, followed by cleaning wipes, makeup removers, and feminine hygiene products.

Unlike toilet paper, these products do not break down in water but remain intact throughout the drainage system, eventually reaching treatment plants where they cause substantial damage and drive up maintenance costs.

“Our crews remove large amounts of wipes from pumps and equipment every day,” García Castro said. “This trash causes blockages, reduces system efficiency, and can lead to sewage spills that put public health and the environment at risk.”

He urged residents not to throw wipes, plastics, or any other solid waste into toilets or drains.

“Citizen participation is key,” he added. “If each user commits to avoiding these practices, we can extend the life of our infrastructure and prevent emergencies that affect the entire community.”