This Easter, Clean Coasts and Uisce Éireann are drawing inspiration from two famous characters of Wonderland to deliver a very important message. Alice and the Mad Hatter are urging the public to dispose of fats, oils, greases and dairy products in the right way – by putting them in the bin and not down the sink.
Don’t be late for this important date with your pipes and remember to Think Before You Pour this Easter. According to a survey conducted in 2023*, 34% of people were regularly pouring damaging items down the sink, compared to 50% in 2018. While this signifies a positive change in behaviour, there’s still room for improvement in 2024. The most common items regularly disposed of down the sink include milk (23%); gravy and other sauces (15%); and fats, oils and greases (10%).
“It may seem harmless to wash dairy products including milk and fats, oils and greases (FOGs) down the sink, but these items can wreak havoc and block drains and pipes in our homes and businesses”, said the Mad Hatter.”
Alice added, “It’s important to remember that just because something can fit down the sink or drain, doesn’t mean it should be poured down the sink. In reality, Uisce Éireann responds to thousands of call outs a year related to these types of blockages.”
Mary Hussey, Wastewater Regional Operational Manager at Uisce Éireann said If you’re hosting a tea party, dinner or celebration this Easter, please take the time to dispose of waste properly and ‘Think Before You Pour’. Everyone can help reduce the number of wastewater blockages caused by items being incorrectly poured down the sink. Let’s work together to keep our pipes free of chaos and prevent sewage backing up into our homes, gardens or spilling into the local environment.”
Speaking about the campaign, Sinead McCoy, Coastal Communities Manager, Clean Coasts said:
“Clean Coasts is proud to collaborate with Uisce Éireann and this March is utilising iconic characters such as the Mad Hatter to remind people about the Think Before You Pour campaign, to promote responsible disposal of fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) this Easter, urging everyone to think before they pour and protect our coastal environment.”