The "WIPPES Act" mandates "Do Not Flush" labeling on disposable wipes and similar products to prevent wastewater system damage, enforced by the FTC, preempting differing state laws, and goes into effect one year after enactment.
Lisa McClain
Representative
MI-9
The "WIPPES Act" requires "Do Not Flush" labeling on certain disposable wipes and similar products to prevent harm to wastewater infrastructure. It mandates a clearly visible symbol and written notice on product packaging, prohibiting any claims of flushability. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing these labeling requirements, and the Act preempts differing state laws.
Wipes Get Warning Labels: New Bill Mandates 'Do Not Flush' Notices to Protect Pipes
Ever wondered if those 'flushable' wipes are really okay for your plumbing or the city's pipes? Congress is stepping in with the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act (WIPPES Act). This bill requires certain disposable products, like many wet wipes, to carry a clear 'Do Not Flush' symbol and written notice right on the package.
Label Logic: What You'll See
The bill gets specific about making these warnings hard to miss. According to Section 2, the 'Do Not Flush' symbol and text must each take up at least 2% of the main packaging panel and have high contrast with the background – think bold and obvious. Whether the wipes come in a tub, a flexible pack, or a big box, the label needs to be clearly visible. Crucially, the bill also bans companies from marketing these specific products as 'flushable' in any way. The goal is simple: stop stuff that causes clogs from going down the drain.
The Flush Police: FTC Steps In
Who makes sure companies follow these new rules? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The WIPPES Act gives the FTC the power to enforce these labeling requirements, treating violations just like false advertising or deceptive practices. They can create specific regulations to make sure the law works as intended. This means the agency already tasked with protecting consumers will now also be watching out for potentially pipe-clogging products.
One Rule Nationwide: States Step Back
Here’s a key detail: this federal law overrides any state or local 'Do Not Flush' labeling rules that are different. Section 2 explicitly prevents states from creating their own, potentially stricter, standards for these specific products. While this creates a single, consistent rule across the country – likely easier for manufacturers selling nationwide – it also means states lose the power to tailor requirements to their own unique infrastructure needs or environmental concerns. This national standard kicks in one year after the bill becomes law, giving manufacturers time to update their packaging.