In contrast to toilet paper, things like tissues and kitchen towels are designed to retain their strength as much as possible, especially when wet. Flush a tissue or paper towel down the toilet and it won't break down, at least not readily, so it's a prime candidate to clog your pipes.

Is it better to flush toilet paper or throw it away?

Toilet paper that makes it in the trash end up in landfills. ... Plus, it will take years for the toilet paper to break down and decompose. In comparison, from a sanitary and greenhouse gas perspective, flushing is the better option. However, both still contribute harm to the environment.

Should you flush tissues down the toilet?

Wipes, tissues, paper towels, cotton wool, buds, menstrual products, nappies and even wipes that claim to be “flushable” can create blockages so don't flush them down the toilet.