Only flush poo, pee and paper

A recent report by the Marine Conservation Society on wet wipes on beaches revealed the problems with wipes and other sanitary products being flushed down the loo.

According to the latest MCS Beachwatch report, the number of used wet wipes littering UK beaches has increased by 50% in the past year because many people put them down the toilet instead of in the bin.

It is vital that customers remember that only poo, pee and toilet paper should be flushed away.

There are many so-called 'flushable' products like wipes on the market. Their packaging and advertising often suggest that it's possible to flush them away but they cause blockages further down the sewer line. They may also be discharged into the environment via storm overflows at times of very heavy rainfall.

• More than half (55%) of sewer flooding is caused by blockages in sewers and drains, leading to flooding and pollution.
• Water companies estimate that it costs the industry between £60-80 million pounds every year to clear blocked drains and sewers - which doesn't include the cost to customers of clearing up after sewer flooding.

Water companies continue to explain to customers via their websites and public awareness campaigns the importance of binning wipes and other sanitary products as well as taking care to never pour fats oils and greases down the sink.

MCS report

Wet wipe litter: 'Only flush poo, pee and paper'
Director of Environment Sarah Mukherjee spoke to the BBC

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