What countries can you not flush toilet paper?

Author: Cullen Johnston  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 26, 2025

You typically shouldn't flush toilet paper in Turkey, Greece, China, Montenegro, Egypt, and rural areas throughout South America.

What countries do not use toilet paper?

A. Some developing countries such as India, China, and Africa do not use toilet paper as commonly as developed countries. Instead, they use alternatives such as bidets, wiping with water, or cloths. How is toilet paper made?

Why can't you flush toilet paper in other countries?

The country's plumbing system, like those in many parts of the world, isn't designed to handle flushed toilet paper. The standard pipe used in Greek plumbing is simply too narrow to accommodate clumps of tissue, so unsuspecting flushers would risk creating clogs and backups in the system.

What happens if you accidentally flush toilet paper in Greece?

Greek sewage pipes are much narrower than US or British pipes, and therefore Greek plumbing can't handle paper or any other items as it will easily clog them. This is because the infrastructure and seweage system are much older.

Is it OK to flush toilet paper in Europe?

Some countries, such as Greece and Turkey, have very frail plumbing. If you see a wastebasket near the toilet with used toilet paper in it, that's a sign that the sewer system isn't up to snuff. Put your used TP in the wastebasket instead of flushing it.

What countries can you not flush toilet paper?

Can you flush toilet paper in Japan?

In Japan, toilet paper is water-soluable and can be flushed down the toilets.

Can you flush toilet paper in Mexico?

Well, you throw your toilet paper in the garbage — not the toilet. If you're visiting from the U.S., this may come as a culture shock. The custom in Mexico is to throw your toilet paper in the garbage when using the bathroom. That's what everyone does.

Can you flush toilet paper in Egypt?

Note - don't flush anything down the toilet in Egypt, not even toilet paper. The pipes can't handle it.

Can you flush toilet paper in Germany?

Flush toilets can easily get clogged. As with every rule there is an exception. Toilet paper belongs into the toilet unless your sitting in an automobile caravan. Never throw tampons, sanitary towels or similar materials in the toilet but use the pedal bin.

Where to throw toilet paper in France?

Toilet paper is designed to avoid pipe clogging, as it dissolves almost instantly in water. France has very modern sewage systems, so generally speaking, you can of course throw toilet paper in the toilet.

Why does China not have toilet paper?

In many public restrooms, private homes, restaurants, and hotels, toilet paper is provided, but it is common practice to throw it into a waste basket instead of the toilet to prevent plumbing issues.

Can you flush toilet paper in USA?

The only thing you should ever flush down a toilet is human waste (urine and feces) and toilet paper. Here's what you shouldn't flush: Bags / wrappings and cardboard. Band-aids and bandage wrappers.

Is it rude to flush the toilet at night?

Unless you are on a train and stopped at a station, Miss Manners can think of no reason why flushing should be suspended. The shock of any late-night noise will surely be far less offensive than that of waking up to refuse that has been lingering overnight.

Do some cultures not wipe after pooping?

Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Jordan and other countries will use a small shower for rinsing off after you do your business. Most of these cultures believe that you can get your bum cleaner with water than you can with toilet paper which is why they chose that option.

Do Muslims use toilet paper?

Eating any food while on the toilet is forbidden. After defecating, the anus must be washed with water using the left hand, or an odd number of smooth stones or pebbles called jamrah or hijaarah (Sahih Al-Bukhari 161, Book 4, Hadith 27). Many jurists agree that toilet paper suffices in place of these stones.

Do Russians use toilet paper?

The average volume per person in the Toilet Paper market is projected to be 8.3kg units in 2025. The demand for toilet paper in Russia has significantly increased due to a growing population and changing consumer habits.

Can you flush toilet paper in China?

In many Chinese toilets, flushing toilet paper is a big no-no. Why, you ask? Well, let's just say the plumbing isn't always up to the task. Instead, look for a designated bin and dispose of your used TP there.

Can you flush toilet paper in Greece?

You can't flush toilet paper in Greece because the sewage pipes are much narrower than elsewhere in the world (2 inches in diameter vs. 4 inches in the U.S.!), and toilet paper can cause them to clog.

Can you flush toilet paper in Brazil?

In Brazil it's pretty standard to have a waste paper basket beside the toilet for throwing away toilet paper. Hotels and restaurants will have signs asking you to not flush toilet paper. In the USA and Canada nobody worries about flushing toilet paper.

Can I flush toilet paper in Vietnam?

Don't Flush Paper

One of the golden rules of restroom etiquette in Vietnam is not to flush toilet paper. Most plumbing systems aren't designed for it, so flushing can lead to blockages. Instead, use the bins provided next to the toilet.

Do you flush toilet paper in Morocco?

Don't worry, it gets better with practice (and even locals miss it sometimes…). Once you finished, you can use water (bucket) to rinse yourself or you can use (your own) toilet paper or wet tissues. (However do not flush the paper – and definitely not the wet tissues – down as it can clog the plumbing.

Can you flush toilet paper in India?

But I had to do it — first of all, there often isn't any toilet paper to be had, and secondly, you should NOT put toilet paper down most Indian toilets. The system was not made for it. You have to put the toilet paper in a dustbin, if you're lucky enough to find one.

Is toilet paper flushable in USA?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages all Americans to only flush toilet paper, not disinfect wipes or other non-flushable items that should be disposed of in the trash.

How do you say toilet in Spanish slang?

in Spanish: el baño. While English has plenty of synonyms for what is essentially the same thing, Spanish keeps it simple–for once! You'll see that over 90% of people go by this simple word, making things super easy for learners.

Can you flush tampons in Mexico?

The short answer is no, you should never flush tampons. While it might seem like a quick and easy way to dispose of them, flushing tampons can lead to serious plumbing issues and environmental damage.

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