Visitors to Belize often are surprised when they realize they cannot flush toilet paper due to its incompatibility with its sewage system, which cannot manage non-organic materials like wipes and paper towels that could potentially clog pipes and harm marine life if introduced into waterways.
Unless told to, always place the paper into a bin for disposal instead of flushing it down the toilet.
Flushing Toilet Paper in Belize: Plumbing Overview
Most Belizeans understand the need to dispose of toilet paper properly, placing it into a trash can rather than flushing it down a toilet. This practice is particularly common at hotels and restaurants where public toilets may not always be readily available.
Most toilets in Belize are Western-style toilets with standard bowl options (not elongated) and comfort height features. Unfortunately, water pressure may not always be strong, making it harder for you to flush an overflowing toilet quickly and efficiently.
Belize’s primary sanitation system is its sewage, which runs through Belmopan and San Pedro to an Ambergris Caye/San Pedro wastewater treatment plant for treatment. As this sewage system can become overtaxed at times, it’s important that only toilet paper and non-organic waste (wipes, feminine hygiene products and paper towels) be flushed down drains; otherwise this waste may clog pipes and create harmful bacteria which is released into surrounding oceans which in turn harm marine life while polluting drinking water supplies.
Be mindful that Belize is still developing; some aspects may not be as reliable or perfect. Electricity service may fluctuate, and the internet can sometimes be intermittent. Cooking gas may be available but may not always be the cheapest choice.
There may also be times of the year when stores run out of certain items – for instance, mangos don’t always seem to be available in summer and bread and cookies may not always be in stock. You should bring an abundance of your favorite snacks just in case something does go missing and remember that there is always the beach as an option!
Belizean Toilet Paper Norms: To Flush or Not?
As is common with Caribbean nations, Belizean custom dictates that toilet paper not be flushed into toilets but instead placed into a trash bin in the bathroom for disposal. This is to protect toilets that cannot handle it from becoming blocked up with waste products that could potentially lead to blockages in public restrooms; carrying around extra rolls may also come in handy since not always available there.
As with many developing nations, Belize experiences problems with supply and availability of certain items. With no comprehensive public healthcare system and stores being stocked less frequently than they would be back home, you might find ripe mangos or bread out-of-stock at your local store one week; then again they might return next week. In turn, strange cravings might arise for foods you never ate back home!
Belizean toilet paper market may be small, but some of its needs are imported from outside suppliers. In 2013, for example, Belize imported over one million rolls worth approximately $11 million – almost double what was exported at that time. This trend may continue as its economy expands and consumers’ purchasing power increases while tourism rises thus driving an increase in tp consumption.
Environmental Impact: Toilet Paper in Belize
Flushing toilet paper has more serious environmental ramifications than most people realize. Though many assume their paper comes from recycled sources, in reality most toilet paper sold in the United States contains wood pulp from North American forests as its raw material source. Particularly, Canada’s boreal forest – often called the “Amazon of the North” – is being rapidly exploited for toilet paper production. As a result, many endangered species like caribou are threatened with extinction and boreal forests’ ability to store carbon is being diminished. Therefore, it’s vitally important to err on the side of caution and throw used toilet paper into an available trash bin rather than flushing it directly down the toilet.
Non-organic materials that are flushed down the toilet can clog up our sewer systems, pollute our waterways and harm marine life if they enter them directly – this is why only flush toilet paper, wipes and feminine hygiene products in restrooms.
If you’re visiting Belize, take care to dispose of your toilet paper responsibly. It may be wise to bring your own supplies as many places may not have trash cans available and/or be in a position to put one out. In terms of availability – some places might run out altogether and make sure to stockpile enough paper before heading out!
Belizean Regulations: TP Disposal Guidelines
As a general guideline, toilet paper should be avoided in Belize by tossing it instead of flushing it. With limited supplies of this essential commodity, flushing can only make matters worse by making its supply even scarcer and decreasing circulation.
Food supplies in Belize differ greatly from their US counterparts in that grocery stores don’t carry as many items, nor restock with fresh produce as frequently. This makes it harder to keep track of seasonal items; once gone, they’re gone forever!
Weather here can be unpredictable; an hour of sunshine could turn dark and stormy the next. Predicting what will occur from day to day in this tropical climate is difficult; similarly, you cannot always count on your local garbage collection service to arrive on schedule due to factors like weather or personnel issues; to stay safe it’s wiser to bring along bags for disposal when out and about.
