Medications and Chemicals Don’t Belong in the Sewer

Did you know that flushing old medications or pouring household chemicals down the drain can harm Valleyview’s sewer system and our environment? What may seem like a quick and easy way to dispose of waste actually creates long-term problems for our treatment systems, waterways, and even wildlife.

Our sanitary sewer system is designed to handle only wastewater and toilet paper – not pharmaceuticals, paint, concentrated cleaning products, or other hazardous materials.

Why it Matters

When medications or chemicals enter the sewer system, they:

  • Disrupt wastewater treatment – Many substances can’t be removed during treatment and end up in rivers, lakes, or groundwater.
  • Damage infrastructure – High concentrations of corrosive chemicals can eat away at pipes, pumps, and equipment.
  • Create safety risks – Utilities staff are exposed to unknown mixtures of chemicals that may be harmful or volatile.
  • Harm the environment – Pharmaceuticals and concentrated cleaning agents can impact aquatic life and ecosystems downstream.

What You Can Do to Help

Protect Valleyview’s infrastructure and environment by disposing of these materials properly:

  • Don’t flush medications – Return used or expired medications to your local pharmacy’s take back program.
  • Avoid pouring chemicals down the drain – Bring paints, aerosols, batteries, and empty automotive fluid containers (oil, antifreeze, coolant, etc.) to the Valleyview Recycle Center for safe disposal.
  • Use environmentally friendly products whenever possible.
  • Never mix different products – chemical reactions can be dangerous.
  • Only flush the 3 P’s – pee, poo, and toilet paper.

Recycle Right in Valleyview

The Valleyview Recycle Centre accepts a wide range of materials for safe recycling and disposal, including:

  • Automotive fluid containers – empty oil, antifreeze, coolant, and windshield washer jugs.
  • Paints, aerosols, and batteries
  • Cardboard, mixed paper, and plastic containers
  • Aluminum and metal cans
  • Fluorescent bulbs and ballasts
  • Electronic and small appliances under the Alberta Recycling Management Authority program.

For a full list of acceptable items or questions, please contact the Valleyview Recycle Centre at (780) 524-5150

Remember

Under the Town of Valleyview’s Water and Sewer Bylaw, residents and businesses must not dispose of chemicals, oils, medications, or other contaminants into the sewer system. These rules are to protect our infrastructure, our environment, and the people who maintain them.

Together we can keep Valleyview’s sewer system running safely – and protect the natural environment we all share.

For more information, or to report a sewer concern, please contact Utilities & Asset Management at (780) 524-5156