April 22, 2026, 8:44 am | Read time: 2 minutes
In Germany, it’s common to throw toilet paper into the toilet after use. This is not the case in many other countries. TRAVELBOOK explains where in Europe toilet paper must be disposed of differently, the reasons for this, and where used paper should be thrown instead.
Anyone who has vacationed in various countries in southern and eastern Europe may be familiar with this rule: Toilet paper must not be thrown into the toilet and especially not flushed. This is often humorously emphasized with signs on the bathroom door or wall.
In These European Countries, Toilet Paper Cannot Be Flushed
Countries that request keeping their drains free of toilet paper include Greece. According to a blog post, toilets there sometimes have too steep a slope, and the pipes may have too small a diameter. In both cases, toilet paper is not properly transported, leading to pipe blockages. Some houses are also connected to septic tanks instead of a sewer system, which can also become clogged. That’s why you’ll find many notices in Greece advising against throwing toilet paper into the toilet.
It’s similar in some rural parts of Spain and occasionally on the islands. Portugal also faces the issue of clogged toilets, although it has improved somewhat in recent years. In Europe, other countries where toilet paper should not be flushed include Turkey, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Ukraine. The rule or ban does not necessarily apply to the entire country. Often, it’s rural areas with outdated sewage systems that can’t properly transport the paper. The result: pipes clog and toilets overflow.
Also interesting: Should you avoid using folded toilet paper in hotels?
Where to Dispose of Used Paper?
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In countries and regions where toilet paper should be disposed of differently, trash cans are usually provided for this purpose. Some may find this unpleasant, so it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom. However, it’s crucial to adhere to this practice and throw the paper away instead of flushing it, as it can cause pipe blockages. The costs for drain cleaning and any resulting damage can be quite high, and in some cases, the person responsible may even be charged.