Posted by 🚽 Why You Shouldn’t Flush Toilet Paper
Many travelers experience a bit of a culture shock in Greece when they first see a sign in their vacation rental:
❗ “Please do not flush toilet paper!”
What sounds unusual to visitors from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland is perfectly normal in Greece – and has a very simple technical reason.
The Greek sewage system is built differently than in Central Europe. The pipes are thinner, many houses are older, and wastewater treatment plants in smaller towns are often basic. Anyone who flushes paper or other waste down the toilet can quickly clog the entire system.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know:
Why paper shouldn’t go down the toilet,
how the sewage systems in Greece work,
what you should be aware of while on vacation,
and what happens if you ignore the rule.
Why Toilet Paper Doesn’t Belong in the Toilet in Greece
Technical Background
In Greece, the sewage pipes are significantly narrower than in Northern Europe.
Often, their diameter is only 4 to 5 cm, while in Germany, 10 to 15 cm is more common.
This means that even small amounts of paper can get stuck in narrow passages, especially in older buildings or hotels with many guests.
In addition, many pipes don’t run straight but are routed through rocks, concrete, and up slopes – a nightmare for wastewater.
Historical Reasons
The problem has historical roots.
Many sewage systems were built between the 1960s and 1980s, when Greece experienced rapid tourism growth.
Back then, water consumption and paper waste were lower – no one thought about recycled paper, wet wipes, or toilets with automatic shut-off.
To this day, many pipes haven’t been modernized, especially on islands and in mountain villages.
Wastewater Treatment Plants & Environment
Even modern wastewater treatment plants in tourist regions can be overwhelmed by excessive amounts of toilet paper.
Smaller communities often have septic tanks that need to be pumped out regularly.
Paper barely dissolves there and can clog pumps and filters.
Therefore:
👉 Paper in the trash, not in the toilet.
Where does this ban apply – and where doesn’t it?
The paper ban isn’t equally strict everywhere in Greece.
Here’s an overview of where you should be especially careful:
| Region / Accommodation | Rule | remark |
|---|---|---|
| Islands (e.g. Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Naxos) | Strict ban on paper | Thin wires, old systems |
| Small hotels & holiday apartments | Always put paper in the trash can. | Typical small wastewater tanks |
| Large hotels (4-5 stars) | Mostly allowed, but pay attention to the sign. | Modern systems with filter system |
| campsites | Paper is often allowed | Newer sanitary facilities |
| Private houses in villages | Prohibition usual | Often, cesspools are used instead of sewers. |
| Athens, Thessaloniki (centre) | Usually not a problem | Modern sewage system |
In short:
👉 On the mainland in large cities, it’s usually not a problem,
👉 on islands and in holiday regions, always put paper in the bin.
Here’s how to tell if paper is allowed in the toilet:
Most hosts clearly state:
On signs in the bathroom: “Please don’t throw paper in the toilet.”
Or in Greek: “Μην ρίχνετε χαρτί στη λεκάνη.”
Sometimes there’s no sign at all – then a look at the bin will help:
If there’s a small bin with a lid right next to the toilet, that’s a clear sign.
💡 Tip:
When in doubt, always ask – many Greeks are friendly and happy to explain how the system works in their accommodation.
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What happens if you do it anyway?
Many tourists don’t take the warnings seriously – until it’s too late.
Flushing toilet paper down the toilet can cause the following problems:
Blocked pipes – the water no longer drains.
Backflow – especially unpleasant in hotels when multiple bathrooms are affected.
Defective pumps in houses with septic tanks.
Foul odors or flooding – a nightmare on vacation.
Repairs are often expensive on islands because tradespeople and spare parts are scarce.
Therefore, many landlords explicitly request that the rule be respected.
How does the wastewater system work in Greece?
Septic tanks (cesspools)
In rural areas and on islands, there is no central sewage system.
Each house or hotel has its own septic tank where wastewater is collected.
The water seeps away, solids remain at the bottom and are pumped out regularly.
Paper decomposes very slowly there – hence the ban.
Wet wipes or feminine hygiene products can completely block the septic tank.
Centralized Sewer System
Cities like Athens, Patras, and Thessaloniki have modern sewer systems with wastewater treatment plants.
Throwing paper away is usually not a problem here, but water consumption is high – Greece is conserving water, so flushes are smaller.
Combination of Both Systems
Many tourist regions, especially Crete and Rhodes, have combined systems:
Hotels are connected to the central system, while small guesthouses have their own tanks.
This explains why you sometimes find different rules even in the same town.
Environmental Aspect: Paper in the Trash Can Is Not a Step Back
For many visitors, the idea of throwing used paper in the trash can is unpleasant.
But in Greece, this isn’t a hygiene issue – the trash is collected regularly, and almost everywhere there are closed bins with lids.
The system is more environmentally friendly than you might think:
No unnecessary water consumption due to blockages or flushing
Fewer chemicals in wastewater treatment plants
Fewer repairs and less energy consumption
💡 Tip: A small supply of unscented hygiene bags (e.g. for diapers) is ideal if you want to feel more comfortable.
Differences between islands
The rules vary slightly depending on size and infrastructure:
| Island | Special feature |
|---|---|
| Crete | Mixed system – no paper in rural areas, often allowed in large hotels |
| Rhodes | Paper is mostly prohibited; many houses have septic tanks. |
| Santorini | Very sensitive system, no paper in the toilet |
| Naxos / Paros | Old pipes, always use a bucket |
| Corfu | Partly modernized, but paper ban still in place in villages |
| Zakynthos | Paper is banned almost everywhere – signs are standard. |
| Kos | Usually allowed in hotels, apartments: better to use a bucket |
| Skiathos / Skopelos | Small systems, strictly no paper |
| Thassos | Similar to the mainland, but if in doubt, better not. |
Typical Misunderstandings & Questions
“But the paper dissolves, doesn’t it?”
Only partially. Even soft paper decomposes too slowly in Greece’s system.
“I did it accidentally – what should I do?”
Once isn’t a big deal. But if the water drains poorly, inform your landlord.
“Is it okay to flush wet wipes?”
No! Not even in Germany, and certainly not in Greece – they are the most common cause of blockages.
“What about tampons or diapers?”
Also forbidden. There are bins for that.
“Is the paper recycled?”
No, it’s disposed of normally. Greece is still struggling with waste separation – but the trend is improving.
Toilets in Greece – what else you should know
Toilet paper is often provided sparingly.
In small guesthouses or tavernas, there’s usually only one roll – it’s best to bring a spare.
Public restrooms are cleaner than their reputation suggests, but they are rare.
In an emergency: Ask at tavernas or cafes – often it’s free if you order something.
Campsites and marinas usually meet Western standards.
Paper is generally allowed in the toilet there.
Toilet signs:
“Toualeta” = toilet
“Αποχωρητήριο” = older name, v. a. in the country
Practical tips for tourists
Always use the bin if one is available.
Read the sign or ask before flushing.
Bring your own toilet paper or tissues – they aren’t always available.
Bring scented sachets or resealable plastic bags (especially for sensitive noses).
Do not flush wet wipes or hygiene products.
Be considerate of landlords – this is a sensitive issue for them because repairs are expensive.
A Humorous Fact
Many Greeks themselves joke about the topic – some say the biggest cultural adjustment for tourists isn’t the language or the food, but the toilet paper.
On English signs, you sometimes see charming variations like:
“Please respect our old pipes – don’t feed them paper!”
Or:
“Greek toilets are shy. Use the bin.” 😄
A little humor helps – after all, it’s simply a different, functioning habit.
Conclusion: A small adjustment that makes a big difference
The topic may seem curious, but it’s important.
If every tourist is considerate, sewage systems remain intact and environmental problems are minimized.
Greece has wonderful beaches, tavernas, and people – but also delicate pipes.
By following these simple rules, you not only avoid blockages but also show respect for the country and its people.
👉 So don’t worry:
A small bucket next to the toilet is not a drama – but a sign of consideration.