15 Apr When is it Fine to Flush? – Anglian Water
Did you know that one of the most common causes of blockages leading to flooding and pollution of our environment is wet wipes – make up wipes, cleaning wipes, bottom wipes – they all should be put in a bin and never ever flushed. However, if you need a moist product which you would like to flush then look out for moist toilet tissue, but be sure to only use those that carry the Fine to Flush logo.
Anglian Water through its Keep It Clear programme, has driven a national campaign to introduce a standard for a toilet tissue which fragments quickly on being flushed, like toilet paper, and which is both biodegradable and does not contain micro plastics. The Flush to Treatment Project has been working in Southend to clear pipes of many tonnes of waste which should not have been flushed down toilets or poured down sinks. Now they have been cleared, we all want to keep them that way and do their job of protecting our public health.
AW worked towards the Fine to Flush logo because customers said they wanted to be able to use a toilet tissue which was moist and which they could flush. In order to reach the standard the manufacturers must apply to WRC, the Water Research Centre, which is recognised by the water companies in the UK. There are some toilet tissue wipes which will have a logo marked ‘biodegradable and flushable’ but this is not recognised by water companies in the UK. There are unfortunately, still a number of moist toilet tissues which have not met this required standard. Even if they state on the packaging they are flushable, do not flush them unless they carry the distinctive Fine to flush logo.
The following all now carry the Fine to Flush logo
Aldis toilet tissues
Andrex Washlets
Sainsbury’s toilet tissue wipes
Natracare Safe to Flush
Pura Premium Flushable Wipes
There are some which have reached the standard but are not yet carrying the logo
Morrison’s Aloe Vera Toilet Tissue Wipes
Tesco Luxury Soft Flushable Wipes
The University of East Anglia recently carried out a study following on from research of sewerage in a sample from the Anglian Water region. From this survey they concluded that a quarter of all wipes used in the UK annually are ending up being flushed. These include wipes which feature the ‘Do Not Flush’ logo on the packaging and instruct users to always place them in a bin. This is why 80 per cent of blockages leading to flooding and pollution could be avoided if these items, together with sanitary products such as pads and tampons, are always placed in a bin.
Collette Parker, Anglian Water, said: “I work with communities helping them to appreciate the connection between what is being flushed which should be placed in a bin, and the protection of our environment from pollution. The sewerage system is an essential part of the protection of our public health and it is important that it is kept clear to do its job. Pipes choked with wipes and sanitary products, mixed with fats, oils and grease, will not be able to work at their optimum level and pose potential harm to the environment. They also cause issues for the vital sewerage treatment process and the protection of our waterways, rivers and seas.”
For more information on how to Keep It clear go to https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/in-the-community/protecting-our-environment/why-keep-it-clear/
