Kempsey Shire Council urges residents to think before they flush to avoid blockages

Woolworths, Coles and Aldi have all been hit by the panic buying of toilet paper and shelves have been left bare in supermarkets across the Macleay Valley.

Due to toilet paper stocks running low, some residents have started to purchase other alternatives such as flushable wipes, baby wipes, thick paper towel and tissues.

However, these alternatives have the potential to clog pipes.

Kempsey Shire Council is urging residents to consider what they are flushing into the Macleay sewerage network.

"While it might seem like there are some easy alternatives to toilet paper, the reality is that most products have to go in the bin not the toilet," council's Manager Water and Sewer Wes Trotter said.

"Baby wipes have become a big problem for sewers around the world, but even facial tissues don't break down the way that toilet paper does."

With toilet paper becoming a sought after product and shoppers without a square to spare using alternatives, council urges the community to re-think what they are flushing down the pipeline.

The wrong type of items can block drains, overload and damage the wastewater system or create environmental damage.

Surprisingly many flushable wipes are not flushable. Even if labels claim they are safe for sewers and septic systems, it is strongly recommend that you do not flush them. They are too thick and have become one of the main causes for blocked drains in Australia in the last few years.

So, what products CAN'T you flush down the toilet:

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