If your company sells or intends to sell disposable wipes in the State of California, this bill will be important to you. The bill was signed on October 06, 2021 and requires premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes manufactured on or after July 1, 2022, to be labelled clearly and conspicuously with the phrase “Do Not Flush” and a related symbol. This bill will enable consumers to identify premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes composed of petrochemical-derived fibers that are not safe to dispose of using sanitary sewer systems. This initiative will protect public health, the environment, water quality, and public infrastructure used to collect, transport, and treat wastewater.

In addition to the labelling required, the manufacturer or party responsible for the labelling of a product, will be required to participate in a collection study conducted in collaboration with wastewater agencies to understand consumer behaviour. Annual reporting to specified legislative committees and the State Water Resources Control Board under this program is also mandatory.

Please note that enforcement provisions have been established, including a civil penalty not to exceed $2,500 per day, up to a maximum of $100,000 per violation, to be imposed on the manufacturer or party responsible for labelling and therefore in violation of the provisions.

To avoid last minute label changes, it will be imperative to act now. Should you have any questions or require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.