WASTEWATER: FAQs
Sewage is backing up into my house. Who do I call?
Answer: If you, or someone you know, is experiencing sewage backup issues, call 440-366-2211, option 0 to speak with an operator. They will have one of our staff members respond to your location to help identify the problem and do what they can to assist. This service is available at no charge, day or night, every day of the year. Plant Operators are always on duty. If the operator is making his/her hourly rounds when you call, please leave your name, number, and a brief description of the problem on the recorder and they will call you back promptly.
Can I flush cleaning wipes, such as disinfecting wipes and baby wipes?
Answer: No. Disinfectant, baby and even flushable wipes cannot be flushed down the toilet. Although they may advertise that they’re flushable: they are not. These wipes cause major blockage issues, not only in the large pipes of the sewer system, but also in your home lateral pipe that carries wastewater away from your home to the city sewer main.
What is the best way to dispose of cooking grease?
Answer: Many sewer backups in homes can be prevented by not pouring cooking grease down the drain. While it may be tempting to throw used cooking oil down the drain, this is a bad idea.
Grease and cooking oils coat the insides of the pipes, causing a gunky, thick buildup that could cause clogs that are difficult to remove. Don’t throw cooking oil down the toilet, either, as the grease still ends up in the sewer system. These oils can cause clogs, resulting in sewage backups into your home or overflows into waterways, harming the environment. To help keep as much grease out of the drains as possible, wait until pots and pans cool then wipe any greasy dish, pot or pan off with paper towels and discard those in the trash before placing the cookware in the sink.
Why do our streets sometimes flood when it rains?
Answer: Grass clippings, leaves, plastic bags, beverage cans, empty bottles, food wrappers, and other such items in the roadway from littering or washing down from yards cause plugging of the storm drains along the sides of the road resulting in the flooding of streets when it rains. Additionally, during very heavy rainstorms, the storm sewer system can become overloaded and cause ponding of water on the roadways. Once the intensity of the rainfall diminishes, the storm sewer system will catch up and the water on the roadways will go down. Remember that it can be dangerous to drive through high water. “Turn around, don’t drown,” and “Please don’t litter”.
Where does Elyria’s stormwater go?
Answer: The storm drains on the sides of the roadways drain to the Black River. Anything that is dumped into these drains goes directly to the fish. Help protect our wildlife and environment by reserving these drains for rain water only.
Does Elyria recycle Mercury?
Answer: The City of Elyria Wastewater Department no longer accepts mercury for recycling. All mercury and mercury-containing items can be taken to the Lorain County Solid Waste District Collection Center located at 540 South Abbe Road in Elyria. Learn more at https://www.loraincountyohio.gov/184/Lorain-County-Collection-Center
Where can I take paint, paint thinners, oil, etc. for disposal?
Answer: The Lorain County Solid Waste Management District has a Collection Center located at 540 South Abbe Road in Elyria. Residents can take these items, and more, to the Collection Center for proper disposal. Learn more at https://www.loraincountyohio.gov/184/Lorain-County-Collection-Center
How do I report someone who is illegally dumping scrap tires, used oil, or other materials?
Answer: The City of Elyria has a Report-A-Polluter hotline. You can call (440) 366-2211, Option 0 to speak with an operator. They will have one of our staff members respond to the location. This hotline is available, day or night, every day of the year. Plant Operators are always on duty. If the operator is making his/her hourly rounds when you call, please leave your name, number, and a brief description of the problem on the recorder and they will call you back promptly.