Responsible Flushing Alliance Publishes 2024 Annual Report

Invitation to 2025 Annual Meeting Is Open to Media, Wastewater Officials and Wipes Manufacturers

SEATTLE, Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting the success of #FlushSmartMonth initiatives and ongoing efforts to drive behavioral change regarding proper flushing habits and raise awareness of the Do Not Flush symbol.

While previous campaigns focused on increasing familiarity with the Do Not Flush symbol, the 2024 campaign prioritized shifting consumer behavior. A national survey conducted pre- and post-#FlushSmartMonth revealed positive trends: While familiarity with the Do Not Flush symbol continues to increase (78% to 81%), self-reported flushing of non-flushable items is on the decline (53% to 51%).

Engaging the Next Generation

To connect with younger audiences, RFA embraced short-form video content, partnering with the Latino Film Institute's Youth Cinema Project (YCP) and activating at VidCon Anaheim with a true-crime themed booth featuring Detective Drains and Mel, the real-life talking toilet. These initiatives, along with a creative TikTok presence, successfully integrated smart flushing into the cultural narrative.

"Changing behavior requires engaging the next generation," said Lara Wyss, RFA president. "By tapping into the entertainment culture with creative true-crime inspired video content and showing at VidCon with an unexpected experience, we've made responsible flushing relevant and accessible to a critical audience—the future stewards of our wastewater infrastructure and environment."

The campaign's success extended beyond digital platforms, achieving a breakthrough in local broadcast media coverage. RFA secured segments on multiple local news outlets, leveraging the trusted voice of local journalism to further public education.

Looking Ahead

RFA will discuss more results and strategy from 2024 and dive into what comes next for the organization, its members and its collaborators during the fourth virtual annual meeting on March 19 from 1-2 p.m. EDT. All wastewater and sanitation agencies, wipes manufacturers, and media are invited to attend the free virtual meeting by registering at https://bit.ly/RegistrationRFA.

Read the full 2024 annual report at https://bit.ly/2024RFAReport

About The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA)
The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to consumer education focused on what should and should not be flushed. RFA's goal is to change consumer behavior, through its #FlushSmart campaign, to help reduce damage to our nation's sewage systems caused by objects and materials not designed to be flushed. For more information visit https://www.flushsmart.org or follow #FlushSmart on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, TikTok, and YouTube.

SOURCE Responsible Flushing Alliance