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The first time I saw a sign in Costa Rica that said “Please do not flush toilet paper,” I thought it had to be a mistake. Surely that wasn’t meant literally. But nope—it’s a very real, very common rule here. If you’re visiting and this caught you off guard too, you’re in good company.
In many places across Costa Rica, especially in small hotels, older Airbnbs, and rural areas, flushing toilet paper just isn’t a thing. And it’s not about being old-fashioned or eco-trendy—it’s about the plumbing. A lot of buildings simply aren’t equipped with pipes that can handle anything other than, well… you know. Tossing paper in the toilet might seem harmless, but here, it can cause blockages that are surprisingly serious. We’re talking about backed-up bathrooms, costly repairs, and more than a few awkward conversations with your host.
Why you’re being asked to put toilet paper in the trash in Costa Rica?
Think of it like this: plumbing in Costa Rica isn’t built the same way as it is in the U.S. or Europe. Many systems here use narrower pipes and rely on septic tanks. These setups weren’t designed to handle even the softest two-ply. And when you combine that with tropical humidity, lots of remote locations, and infrastructure that’s sometimes decades old, you’ve got a recipe for disaster if the wrong thing goes down the drain.
Some newer resorts and homes in places like San José or Tamarindo do have plumbing that can handle toilet paper—but they’ll tell you very clearly if that’s the case. If there’s no sign saying “you’re good to flush,” assume the bin is your best friend.
Wait… you want me to throw it in the bin? Really?
Yes. Really. I get it, at first, it feels a little weird. Gross, even. But Costa Ricans are pros at this. Bathrooms that follow this rule almost always have a covered bin with a liner, emptied regularly. It’s cleaner than you’d expect, and after a day or two, it just becomes part of the rhythm of travel here. In fact, much of Latin America, Southeast Asia, and even parts of Europe have similar practices.
If it helps: I once stayed in a small beach cabina in Uvita where the host showed me the bin setup with the same level of seriousness most people reserve for fire escape plans. “Please don’t flush paper,” he said, “unless you’d like to swim in it later.” That stuck with me.
It’s not just a rule – it’s a way to travel better
Following local bathroom etiquette might not feel like a big deal, but it actually says a lot about you as a traveler. It shows respect for local infrastructure, hosts, and the little things that keep life running smoothly. And it saves you from awkward plumbing emergencies halfway through your vacation.
This kind of awareness—of how things work in a place that’s not your own—is part of what makes travel richer. It’s a reminder that not everything works the same way everywhere. And honestly, that’s part of the adventure.
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