Yes, you can put toilet paper down the toilet anywhere in Morocco.

That’s an excellent and very practical question for travelers to Morocco. The short answer is:

Generally, no, you should not flush toilet paper in Morocco. The vast majority of plumbing systems, especially in older cities (medinas), riads, budget hotels, and homes, are not designed to handle it.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of why and what to do instead:

Why You Can’t Flush It

1. Old and Narrow Pipes: Much of Morocco’s infrastructure, particularly in historic areas, has older plumbing with narrow pipes that clog easily.
2. Septic Systems: Many buildings use septic tanks instead of being connected to large, modern municipal sewer systems. Paper does not break down quickly in septic tanks and causes them to fill up and fail much faster.
3. Low Water Pressure: Toilets often have low water pressure, which is insufficient to push paper through the pipes effectively.

What To Do Instead: The “Bin System”

Next to almost every toilet in Morocco, you will find a small wastebasket with a lid. This is specifically for disposing of used toilet paper. While this may seem unusual at first, it is the standard and expected practice.

• How it works: Use the toilet paper as normal, then place it in the provided bin.
• Hygiene: The bins are lined with bags and are emptied daily by cleaning staff. It is considered sanitary within the context of the plumbing limitations.

Exceptions and Nuances

• Large, Modern Hotels & Resorts: International chain hotels, luxury resorts, and some newer buildings in cities like Casablanca or Marrakech’s new town (Gueliz)