09/10/2026
October is Unblocktober month! 💧
🌊Unblocktober is a national campaign to spread awareness about the health of our drains, sewers, rivers, and the ocean.
🚨When we dispose of our liquids and other plastic items incorrectly in the drainage and sewage systems, it leads to blockages and, consequently, sewage spills in our rivers.
🚽This year’s theme is ‘Wipe Out Wet Wipes’, highlighting the ban on plastic in wet wipes in England from May 2027. About 93% of sewer blockages are caused by wet wipes. Wet wipes have accumulated into literal "wet wipe islands" along the River Thames, impacting wildlife and water quality.
📉Thames21 has been monitoring the wet wipes island in Hammersmith since 2017. The data gathered has helped make a case for banning plastic in wet wipes and has led to a coordinated removal of the ‘wet wipe island’ led by the PLA in 2025.
🤝Protecting our rivers requires collective action, from government, regulators, environmental organisations, investors, and water companies. Consumers also play an important role in making informed choices and disposing of their waste correctly.
⚠️Did you know that even wet wipes labelled as flushable shouldn’t be flushed? These don’t break down easily like toilet paper and can bind with fats, oils, and grease, creating fatbergs (massive blockages). Always remember the 3 Ps rule: only flush p*e, poo, and paper. Everything else belongs in the bin!
Share this post with your friends and family and help us look after our rivers. 💙
