This post was most recently updated on January 6th, 2023
You can flush the toilet paper in Portugal but you are suggested not to. You are suggested to use the trash bin or use a bidet to clean. Portugal doesn’t have a good plumbing system everywhere, and because of this, waste disposal pipes are blocked from time to time. Moreover, the blockage of pipes in one house can create disturbance in another house.
Flushing the toilet paper in Portugal isn’t a good practice to follow. If you are a guest in a nice hotel room, you might see that flushing the toilet paper down the toilet is sometimes allowed. Even at that time, if a waste bin is provided, you should always throw the toilet paper in that bin.
Most of the restrooms in Portugal have a bidet. It’s a much healthier way to clean.
Even if your chosen hotel has a macerator, you will find that most restaurants, cafés, bars, shopping malls, and the airport will have a sign requesting you not to put toilet paper down the toilet so you will have to accept that.
Otherwise, it will clog the toilet, and they would need to call a plumber.
Related article: Can you flush toilet paper in Cyprus?
If you are buying a nice house and have a better drainage system, even at that time you shouldn’t flush the toilet paper down. Your house might be advanced and modern, but somewhere down the road, your pipes are definitely meeting other small and older sewage pipes. If they get blocked, your modern and advanced pipes are also getting blocked.
Not only does it clog the drainpipe, but there are also other health hazards. Flushing toilet paper down the toilet can contaminate the water system which can eventually cause environmental damage.
Cleaning the clogged pipes is expensive as hell. You have to hire a professional and they will charge you a hell of a lot of money.
Buying a waste bin and throwing the toilet paper in there is much more affordable and environmentally friendly.
Along with toilet paper, you shouldn’t also flush down a few more things in Portugal. Such as Paper towels and tissues, Feminine products, Dental Floss, Hair, Bandages, Cigarettes, Cotton Balls, etc.
The sewer system in Portugal is different in different cities.
Can you flush the toilet paper in Lisbon Portugal?
Yes, you can flush the toilet paper in Lisbon Portugal. However, if a trash bin is provided, you are suggested to throw the toilet paper in the trash bin rather than flushing it down the toilet. You can also use a bidet to clean after you are done.
Can you flush the toilet paper in Porto?
No, you cannot. Porto doesn’t have a sewage system like Lisbon. You shouldn’t flush the toilet paper in Porto. You would be provided with a trash bin, you should throw toilet paper in there.
Can you flush the toilet paper in Madeira?
Yes, you can flush the toilet paper in Madeira, Portugal. However, if a trash bin is provided, you are suggested to throw the toilet paper in the trash bin rather than flushing it down the toilet. You can also use a bidet to clean after you are done.
Can you flush the toilet paper in the Azores?
No, you cannot. The Azores doesn’t have a sewage system like Lisbon or Madeira. You shouldn’t flush the toilet paper in the Azores. You would be provided with a trash bin, you should throw toilet paper in there. You can also use a bidet to clean after you are done.
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Can you drink tap water in Portugal?
Is Portugal a developed country?
