Rivers, lakes and beaches across England are set to become cleaner, with wildlife better protected, after the Government signed into law a ban on the sale of plastic wet wipes. The move marks a significant step forward in tackling plastic pollution, which can cause long-lasting damage to waterways and ecosystems.
The new legislation specifically targets wet wipes that contain plastic. However, all wet wipes contribute to sewer blockages and environmental pollution when flushed. Once in the sewerage system, wipes can break down into microplastics, which poison wildlife and enter the food chain. The public is being urged to dispose of all wet wipes in the bin, even those labelled as “flushable”.
Plastic-free wet wipes are already widely available, and several major retailers have stopped selling wipes containing plastic. Businesses will have until spring 2027 to comply with the new rules, although exemptions will apply in certain cases, such as wipes used by medical professionals.
Elsewhere in the UK, the Welsh Government has already legislated on plastic wet wipes, while the Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are expected to introduce similar legislation by the end of the year.
The environmental impact of wet wipes has already been highlighted by the work of charity Thames21, which successfully pushed for the removal of the so-called “wet wipe island” in west London. The clean-up involved the Port of London Authority and Thames Water clearing an estimated 180 tonnes of congealed wet wipes from a 250-metre stretch of the tidal River Thames near Hammersmith Bridge.
Thames21 chief executive Chris Coode said:
“This vital move is a crucial step towards protecting the health of our rivers, as it will reduce the introduction of microplastics into the environment. We would like to see more systemic change to tackle the issue of plastics entering the environment via wet wipes and other sanitary waste.”
The Government has also committed to delivering the largest overhaul of the water sector since privatisation, aiming to improve outcomes for customers, investors and the environment. A key element of this plan includes expanding pre-pipe drainage and wastewater solutions, better rainwater management, and preventing pollutants from entering sewerage systems and waterways. The plastic wet wipes ban is seen as an important part of this wider ambition, with further measures under consideration.
