Sewer Department

The Sewer Collections Department is responsible for the maintenance and repair of the sanitary and storm sewer systems. The sanitary sewer system is comprised of approximately 277 miles of pipe ranging in size from 6 inches to 54 inches in diameter and over 4000 manholes. The storm sewer system is comprised of approximately 170 miles of pipe ranging from 6 inches to 96 inches in diameter. The Sewer Collections Department also maintains over 2500 storm manholes and 1450 catch basins.

The routine maintenance of the sanitary and storm sewer systems is accomplished with the use of a high pressure jet machine, a vactor truck, a self-propelled camera truck, excavator, skidster, mortar mixer, and Kobelco.

Do Not Flush These Items

1. Medications - prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, illegal drugs, patches, and hypodermic needles

Over-the-counter and prescription medications are generally not removed from sewage at wastewater treatment facilities. To ensure that these chemicals do not end up in our waterways, we suggest that you take unused medications for disposal to the drop-off center at the Police Station. Medical equipment, such as needles and bandages, should be placed in a sealed metal container and placed in the garbage.

2. Cloth - cleaning rags, nylon stockings, underwear, shop towels, mop heads, and dental floss. Please place in the garbage.

3. Feminine Products - sanitary pads, tampons, and applicators. Please place in the garbage.

4. Plastic - plastic bags, plastic cotton swabs, disposable lighters, and hotel shampoo bottles. Plastic containers labeled Number 1 through Number 7 can be recycled at curbside. Other types of plastics should be placed in the garbage.

5. Chemicals - cleaning products, herbicides, insecticides, and solvents. Chemicals can be safely disposed at the Lorain County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center.

6. Grease - Auto and industrial. Auto or industrial grease and oil can be taken to the County's Collection Center.

7. Wipes - baby wipes, "disposable / flushable" wipes, personal hygiene wipes, and cleaning wipes. Please place wipes, including the "flushable" ones, in the garbage.

8. Cooking Oil / Grease - fats, oils, cooking grease - used or unused. Oil and grease that may be liquid when you flush it down the drain will quickly solidify in cooler water. Oil and grease should be put into a sealed container and put into the garbage.

9. Condoms - condoms and condom wrappers. Please place in the garbage.

10. Diapers - paper or cloth, no matter how dirty. Please place in the garbage.