§ 25-18.9-101 — Legislative declaration

Colorado § 25-18.9-101

• Jurisdiction: Colorado
• Title 25: Public
• Art.: Disposable Wipes

Text

(1) The general assembly hereby finds
and declares that:

(a) Over the past several years, consumer demand for premoistened,
disposable wipe products, including baby wipes, surface cleaning wipes, hand
sanitizing wipes, and makeup removal wipes, has significantly increased;

(b) These wipe products are composed, entirely or in part, of petrochemical-derived fibers that were never designed to be flushed down toilets;

(c) Consumer confusion has resulted in millions of these nonflushable wipes
being improperly disposed of by being flushed down toilets;

(d) Wipes that were not designed to be flushed do not break down like toilet
paper, so when improperly disposed of in toilets, the wipes often cause sewer
blockage and overflow, clog pipes and mechanical equipment, release plastic
materials and wastewater into waterways, and block private drain lines, which can
result in flooded homes and businesses;

(e) The National Association of Clean Water Agencies has determined that
United States municipalities and wastewater treatment providers incur costs in
excess of one billion dollars annually on maintenance to remove clogs caused by
wipes; and

(f) Clear Do Not Flush labeling on the packages for wipes that are not
designed to be flushed is a critical step in helping consumers practice responsible
flushing habits, which in turn leads to healthier homes and communities and the
protection of the environment, waterways, and public infrastructure used for the
collection, transport, and treatment of wastewater.

Legislative History

Source: L. 2023: Entire article added, (SB 23-150), ch. 63, p. 222, � 1, effective August 7.