Legis Daily

WIPPES Act

USA119th CongressS-1092| Senate 
| Updated: 9/19/2025
Jeff Merkley

Jeff Merkley

Democratic Senator

Oregon

Cosponsors (9)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democratic)Edward J. Markey (Democratic)Elizabeth Warren (Democratic)Alex Padilla (Democratic)Angus S. King (Independent)Patty Murray (Democratic)Susan M. Collins (Republican)Ron Wyden (Democratic)Richard Blumenthal (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act, or WIPPES Act, establishes mandatory "Do Not Flush" labeling requirements for specific nonwoven disposable wipes. This includes baby wipes or diapering wipes, as well as household or personal care wipes that contain petrochemical-derived fibers and have a significant potential to be flushed. The legislation aims to prevent wastewater infrastructure issues caused by improper disposal of these products. Covered entities, such as manufacturers and retailers, must clearly and conspicuously display both a "Do Not Flush" symbol and the written label notice "Do Not Flush" on product packaging. These labels must be highly contrasting with the background and occupy at least 2 percent of the principal display panel's surface area. The bill also prohibits any express or implied representations that these products are flushable. Specific placement rules are outlined for various packaging types, including cylindrical, flexible film, rigid, and bulk packaging, ensuring the label is visible each time a wipe is dispensed or used. For instance, on cylindrical packaging, the symbol and notice must be on the principal display panel or the symbol on the panel and the notice on a flip lid. Exemptions exist for certain bulk or combined product packaging where individual items are already labeled or outer packaging does not obscure the label. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these labeling requirements, treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The FTC has the authority to issue guidance to assist entities in compliance, though such guidance does not create new rights or bind the Commission in enforcement actions. This ensures a consistent federal standard for product labeling. Furthermore, the Act includes a preemption clause, preventing states or political subdivisions from establishing or maintaining "Do Not Flush" labeling requirements that differ from the federal standard. This provision ensures uniformity across jurisdictions. The requirements of this Act will become effective one year after its enactment, allowing covered entities time to adapt their packaging and labeling practices.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-3956
WIPPES Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-1350
WIPPES Act
Mar 24, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Mar 24, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
May 21, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Jun 24, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-2269
Received in the Senate.
Sep 19, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-63.
Sep 19, 2025
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 166.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-3956
    WIPPES Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-1350
    WIPPES Act


  • March 24, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 24, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • May 21, 2025
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.


  • June 24, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-2269
    Received in the Senate.


  • September 19, 2025
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-63.


  • September 19, 2025
    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 166.

Commerce

Related Bills

  • HR 119-2269: WIPPES Act
Administrative law and regulatory proceduresCivil actions and liabilityConsumer affairsCosmetics and personal careEnvironmental educationEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)Environmental regulatory proceduresFederal Trade Commission (FTC)Government information and archivesHazardous wastes and toxic substancesManufacturingMarketing and advertisingPest managementRetail and wholesale tradesSolid waste and recyclingWater quality

WIPPES Act

USA119th CongressS-1092| Senate 
| Updated: 9/19/2025
The Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety Act, or WIPPES Act, establishes mandatory "Do Not Flush" labeling requirements for specific nonwoven disposable wipes. This includes baby wipes or diapering wipes, as well as household or personal care wipes that contain petrochemical-derived fibers and have a significant potential to be flushed. The legislation aims to prevent wastewater infrastructure issues caused by improper disposal of these products. Covered entities, such as manufacturers and retailers, must clearly and conspicuously display both a "Do Not Flush" symbol and the written label notice "Do Not Flush" on product packaging. These labels must be highly contrasting with the background and occupy at least 2 percent of the principal display panel's surface area. The bill also prohibits any express or implied representations that these products are flushable. Specific placement rules are outlined for various packaging types, including cylindrical, flexible film, rigid, and bulk packaging, ensuring the label is visible each time a wipe is dispensed or used. For instance, on cylindrical packaging, the symbol and notice must be on the principal display panel or the symbol on the panel and the notice on a flip lid. Exemptions exist for certain bulk or combined product packaging where individual items are already labeled or outer packaging does not obscure the label. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these labeling requirements, treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act. The FTC has the authority to issue guidance to assist entities in compliance, though such guidance does not create new rights or bind the Commission in enforcement actions. This ensures a consistent federal standard for product labeling. Furthermore, the Act includes a preemption clause, preventing states or political subdivisions from establishing or maintaining "Do Not Flush" labeling requirements that differ from the federal standard. This provision ensures uniformity across jurisdictions. The requirements of this Act will become effective one year after its enactment, allowing covered entities time to adapt their packaging and labeling practices.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-3956
WIPPES Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-1350
WIPPES Act
Mar 24, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Mar 24, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
May 21, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Jun 24, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-2269
Received in the Senate.
Sep 19, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-63.
Sep 19, 2025
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 166.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-3956
    WIPPES Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-1350
    WIPPES Act


  • March 24, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 24, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • May 21, 2025
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.


  • June 24, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-2269
    Received in the Senate.


  • September 19, 2025
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-63.


  • September 19, 2025
    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 166.
Jeff Merkley

Jeff Merkley

Democratic Senator

Oregon

Cosponsors (9)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democratic)Edward J. Markey (Democratic)Elizabeth Warren (Democratic)Alex Padilla (Democratic)Angus S. King (Independent)Patty Murray (Democratic)Susan M. Collins (Republican)Ron Wyden (Democratic)Richard Blumenthal (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Commerce

Related Bills

  • HR 119-2269: WIPPES Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Administrative law and regulatory proceduresCivil actions and liabilityConsumer affairsCosmetics and personal careEnvironmental educationEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)Environmental regulatory proceduresFederal Trade Commission (FTC)Government information and archivesHazardous wastes and toxic substancesManufacturingMarketing and advertisingPest managementRetail and wholesale tradesSolid waste and recyclingWater quality