Wastewater

Wastewater (Sewer) Emergencies

Call (863) 834-8277

Customer Service (Wastewater)

Call (863) 834-8276

Do Not Flush or Dump

Medications

The City of Lakeland Water Utilities asks residents not to flush unwanted prescription medications. Most wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove pharmaceutical compounds, which can enter local waterways and impact water quality and wildlife. 

Unused or expired medications can be safely disposed of in the secure prescription drug drop box located in the Lakeland Police Department lobby, available 24/7. For needle or sharps disposal, contact the Lakeland Health Department at 863-519-7910 or visit 3241 Lakeland Hills Boulevard. 

For More Information:

• FDA Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know
• EPA How to Dispose of Medicines Properly

Wipes

Even if labeled "flushable," wet wipes should be thrown in the trash, not flushed. Unlike toilet paper, they do not break down properly and can cause clogs in household plumbing and the wastewater system.

For more information:

• Sewer Lines Constricted By “Flushable” Wipes
• North Liberty Homeowner Pays Thousands in Repairs after Sewage Clog
• Wet Wipes Box Says Flush. New York’s Sewer System Says Don’t.
• City of Lakeland Pumping Station Maintenance Video 

The City of Lakeland initially developed a grease management policy in 1995 to address a growing number of sanitary sewer overflows caused by grease blockages through the City's wastewater collection system.  Sanitary sewer overflows pose a risk to the environment and to human health.  There are currently grease interceptors required for all nonresidential establishments that have the potential to discharge wastewater containing fats, oils, or grease.  However, they are not currently installed in residential homes and therefore when cooking grease is dumped down the drain, it goes directly into our wastewater system causing blockages and many issues. 

How can you dispose of fats, oils, or grease?

• First check out our C.O.R.E. program here: lakelandgov.net/core.  This program gives you a container and a designated place to safely dispose of cooking oil
• Place in a sealed container after cooling.  Label the container "Cooking Oil-Not for Recycling" and dispose with regular garbage. 
• Let it harden and dispose of it in the garbage.
• Use paper towels to wipe residual grease or oil off of dishes, pots, and pans before washing.