The Met Council is appealing to residents to be more circumspect in what they flush.

In a newsletter published Wednesday, the agency said its environmental services crews are spending “an increasing amount of time” clearing debris from sewer pipes that shouldn’t have gone down a toilet.

One major culprit? Allegedly “flushable” wipes — a term the Met Council said “might be an oxymoron.” They flush fine but don’t biodegrade like toilet paper, so they clog and gum up the pipes at treatment plants if they slip through.

Other no-nos include: rags, grease and oils, sanitary products and dental floss, which can wrap around other things and create larger obstructions.

Tim Keegan, a manager for sewer system services, said in the newsletter that accidents happen, but “we are trying to reduce the nondissolvable materials that are put down the drain on purpose.

“If it can go in the trash,” he said, “it should go in the trash.”

Marino Eccher can be reached at 651-228-5421. Follow him at twitter.com/marinoeccher.