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Some toilet paper can clog sewage pipes: watchdog

2024-08-19 HKT 14:57
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  • Some toilet paper can clog sewage pipes: watchdog
Georgina Lee reports
The Consumer Council on Monday warned that toilet rolls which hold up well in wet conditions may not break apart quickly after use and can clog sewage pipes.

The council said it tested 25 types of toilet paper rolls in accordance with mainland standards, comparing absorbency, strength, softness, ease of flushing and hygiene.

It said the overall hygiene and standard of the toilet paper tested was satisfactory, but four types didn't disintegrate so well.

"When consumers buy toilet rolls, they need to make a choice, whether they want a tougher, stronger product to use, or to balance the implications to their toilet drains," said Consumer Council Chief Executive Gilly Wong.

The council said it also found that many types of toilet paper lacked proper package labelling, omitting essential information such as the number of sheets per roll, dimensions, weight and expiry dates.

It urged manufacturers to improve product labelling and to ensure that all necessary information is clearly displayed.

Wong cautioned people against stockpiling toilet rolls and reminded consumers that proper storage of toilet paper in a dry, cool and well-ventilated area is crucial.

“Toilet rolls are not vacuum packaged, so if it is put in a high humidity environment… It can easily get moist and have germs or mould,” she said.

Some toilet paper can clog sewage pipes: watchdog