The UK government is planning to ban plastic wet wipes, which are a major cause of sewer blockages and water pollution. The ban would come into effect next year, following a public consultation.
Wet wipes are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, cellulose, and plant-based fibers. Some wet wipes are labeled as “flushable,” but this does not mean that they will break down in the sewer system. In fact, most wet wipes do not break down and can cause major blockages.
Sewer blockages can cause sewage to back up into homes and businesses, and they can also release harmful pollutants into the environment. In 2021, the UK water industry spent £100 million on clearing sewer blockages caused by wet wipes.
The proposed ban on plastic wet wipes is part of the UK government’s plan to improve water quality. The plan also includes measures to reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the environment, and to increase the use of renewable energy in the water industry.
The ban on plastic wet wipes has been welcomed by environmental groups, who say that it is a necessary step to protect the environment. However, some businesses have expressed concerns about the impact of the ban on their sales.
The public consultation on the ban on plastic wet wipes will run until July 2023. The government will then decide whether to proceed with the ban.
In the EU, plastic wet wipes are not currently banned. However, there are some measures in place to reduce their impact on the environment. For example, packaging for wet wipes must carry a warning label that tells consumers not to flush them down the toilet. Producers of wet wipes also have to contribute to the cost of cleaning up pollution caused by their products.
Read more at: https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/04/04/all-blocked-up-uk-proposes-ban-on-plastic-wet-wipes-to-tackle-water-pollution