Severn Trent has voiced its support for the government's ban on all wet wipes containing plastic.

The water company has said that the announcement resonates with its long-standing concern over the damage caused by disposing of wet wipes in toilets.

Wet wipes disposed down the loo rather than into the bin have been a prime contributor to blocked sewers.

 

 

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Even wet wipes labelled as 'flushable' or 'biodegradable' do not break down the same way toilet paper does, contributing to massive build-ups over time.

The avoidable blockages can cause sewage to spill out from manhole covers, or even worse, back up into people's homes and gardens - which is both unpleasant and expensive to sort.

Grant Mitchell, blockages strategy lead at the company, said: "Every year our team removes 30,000 blockages from across our waste network, and each week we pull two and a half tonnes of wet wipes from our sewers, which weigh the same as a Range Rover.

"These blockages can cause costly problems for customers, not to mention the environment, and the environment and can be major contributing factor in the formation of fatbergs.

“We absolutely welcome the government’s announcement as it will reduce plastics entering the environment through wastewater treatment sites, meaning that waterways and beaches will benefit from this ban."

Mr Mitchell added: “Whilst it’s good that there’s overwhelming public support for these proposals, what’s really important is for everyone to remember that only the three p’s - pee, poo and paper are flushed down the toilet.

"Ideally wipes, whatever they are made of, will go straight in the bin, which will help the environment.”

The company is making efforts to shift public behaviour and raise awareness about responsible waste disposal, launching ‘Sewer Stories’, a campaign that showcases the work of waste teams in maintaining clear sewers.

The initiative also highlights some of the surprising items found in the sewers, from false teeth to car tyres.

The company urges anyone experiencing issues with slow drains or blocked sewers to seek assistance either online (www.stwater.co.uk/my-supply/sewer-stories) or by calling its service line (0800 783 4444).