Unblocktober is a campaign to improve the health of our drains, sewers, watercourses and seas.
Millions of us have been putting dangerous liquids and items into our drainage systems and sewers leading to harmful damage to the environment, including the emergence of a giant wet wipe island that’s changing the course of the River Thames. Did you know that 48% of the British public have flushed wet wipes?🪠
When sewers get blocked, it can cause foul waste flooding, plastic pollution and excavation and repairs. Hidden plastics in items such as nappies and period care products can make their way into our rivers and seas if put in our drains – approximately 8 million pieces of plastic find their way every day!
We need to act decisively to change those bad habits.
How to get involved: Stop pouring the items below down your drain or flushing them down the toilet for the whole month of October. Then continue these habits after the month of October and do your little bit to help our seas and sewers.
- Cooking oil, lard, margarine, butter
- Cooking sauces
- Anything containing plastic, including: – Razor blades – Nappies – Sanitary towels, incontinence pads – Period products, tampons and pads (including applicators and wrappers) – Cotton buds – Contact lenses – Bandages and plasters – Condoms – Dental floss
- Food – even crumbs!
- Wet wipes
- Facemasks
- Disposable gloves
Make a small change now to have a big impact on our future. Whether you’re an individual, business or community group, your contribution matters! To sign up to Unblocktober and receive a resource pack, head to https://www.unblocktober.org/
Spread the word on social media using #Unblocktober2024
Explore Unblocktober’s social channels to participate in our challenges and competitions.