Wipes Garbage Bin Absolutely Not Flushable Wipes should never be flushed down the toilet, even if the box is labeled “flushable.” Wipes do not break down as they move onto the water treatment plant, and will end up clogging their screens. Ways to Reduce Wash Hands When Possible Washing your hands cleans them more effectively than wipes. Use soap and water when possible. Use Cloth Wipes Consider switching to reusable cloth wipes for your baby. These wipes are more eco-friendly because they can be washed and re-used. Did You Know? What's Behind Clogged Sewage Systems? Wipes do not break down like normal toilet paper. The New York Times reports that the amount of material pulled out of filtration screens in NYC has doubled since 2008 because of wipes. Removing these wipes cost NYC $18 million from 2010-2015. Find out more about the big wipe problem in cities.