Wastewater management is a massive undertaking, and it begins right in your home. Our \'Bin the Wipe\' campaign aims to tackle one of the biggest causes of blocked drains and sewer flooding across the North East: wet wipes.
The Hidden Danger of Wet Wipes
Many people believe that because a wipe is labelled \"flushable,\" it is safe to put down the toilet. However, even these wipes do not break down in the same way that toilet paper does. They catch on imperfections in the pipes, trap fats, oils, and grease, and rapidly form massive blockages known as \"fatbergs.\"
- Environmental Impact: Blockages can lead to sewer overflows, pushing raw sewage into homes, gardens, and our beautiful rivers and coasts.
- Financial Cost: Every year, Northumbrian Water spends millions of pounds clearing easily preventable blockages. This cost ultimately affects everyone's water bills.
- The Simple Solution: Keep a bin in your bathroom. Whether it is a baby wipe, a makeup removal wipe, or a cleaning wipe, simply put it in the bin instead of the toilet.
By making this small change, you are taking localized action to protect our environment and ensure our wastewater network remains clean and clear. Together, we can make fatbergs a thing of the past.