How to deal with a full trash can for used toilet paper where you are not allowed to flush the toilet paper?

How to deal with a full trash can for used toilet paper where you are not allowed to flush the toilet paper? - Closeup of stacked brown cardboard tubes of finished toilet paper placed on wooden table

On different trips I have noticed a sign in toilets asking not to flush toilet paper, but throw it in a bin next to the toilet. This was either on island destinations or in areas with rocky grounds.

Personally I don't like this concept of toilet use, but understanding the rationale I respect the request and act accordingly. On various occasions, especially in public places, I was confronted with a full bin and not feeling the urge to create room by compressing a bit I usually look for another toilet.

Now my question, what if you notice the full bin too late? How would a local react? Should I just flush it and report the full bin?



Best Answer

This is very easy - paper in the trash bin is not stuffed tightly so you can make a lot of room by compressing it with your foot. If you're afraid of staining your shoe - first throw a piece of clean paper on top first and then compress the pile with your foot. That's all - just compress the paper and proceed with normal toilet usage. Reporting it is at your convenience.

Note that if you try to flush the paper in toilets that are not suitable for that there's good chance that it just won't flush - everything else flushes but the paper will continue floating - and so you'll find yourself guessing how to get the paper from the toilet bowl and not look like an a-hole.




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How to deal with a full trash can for used toilet paper where you are not allowed to flush the toilet paper? - Low angle of female putting tin can into bucket for metal trash for recycling litter
How to deal with a full trash can for used toilet paper where you are not allowed to flush the toilet paper? - Responsible female sorting garbage while putting tin can into container for metal litter and looking at camera
How to deal with a full trash can for used toilet paper where you are not allowed to flush the toilet paper? - Young responsible female standing in kitchen and putting tin can into bucket while sorting trash



Quick Answer about "How to deal with a full trash can for used toilet paper where you are not allowed to flush the toilet paper?"

  • Do not flush the entire bin full of paper. The sign is there to prevent bad things from happening.
  • If the bin is already pretty full, just leave your paper on top of the pile and let the staff know it needs emptying. This is of course worse if the bin has no cover.
  • Avoid using excessive amounts of paper.


  • Why do people throw used toilet paper in the trash can?

    Many Americans, Canadians, and Europeans object to the social custom of throwing used toilet paper in the wastebasket because it is unsanitary.

    Is it normal to put used toilet paper in the trash?

    There is another option. While flushing the toilet paper down the toilet is the most common option, it is also acceptable to put toilet paper in the garbage can. Flushing is the cleanest, most convenient way to dispose of toilet paper, but other disposal methods are effective when done correctly.

    Does toilet paper dissolve?

    Toilet paper easily dissolves in water in a process that takes anywhere from one to four minutes. Toilet paper's quick-dissolve qualities are engineered to help it pass through pipes or septic systems, and to be processed by municipal sewer treatment plants.



    How to Dispose Toilet Paper Trashcan vs. Germs




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