Clean Coasts and the Think Before You Flush campaign heads to the RDS to discuss the responsible disposal of waste in the bathroom
The Think Before You Flush campaign, run in partnership with Uisce Éireann, spent the weekend of 3rd and 4th October in the RDS, Dublin chatting to expectant mothers and fathers at the Pregnancy and Baby Fair about the detrimental effects of flushing wet wipes down the toilet. The Think Before You Flush team encouraged attendees to look after their rivers and lakes by cultivating responsible flushing behaviour in the bathroom. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of flushing sanitary products and other damaging items down the toilet and to promote responsible waste management practices.
The Think Before You Flush campaign, operated by An Taisce’s Clean Coasts in partnership with Uisce Éireann, emphasises the importance of appropriate flushing behaviour. It highlights the issue of flushing items such as wet wipes and other sanitary products, even if they are labelled flushable. Only the 3 Ps, pee, poo and paper, should be flushed down the toilet. When items such as wet wipes are flushed, they can cause serious blockages in sewage systems. This causes sewage overflows and, ultimately, pollutes our coastal waters and beaches.
The team also discussed the campaign’s tenth anniversary competition, where they are challenging primary school students to create their own fatberg and be in with a chance to win €1,000!
The team also discussed the Think Before You Pour campaign that looks at the issue of pouring fats, oils and greases (FOGs) from cooking down the kitchen sink. Instead of flowing freely, FOGs cool and harden as they travel along the wastewater network. When FOGs combine with sewage-related litter such as wipes, hair and dental floss, fatbergs can form. Uisce Éireann clears hundreds of blockages, including fatbergs, from the wastewater network every week. The Think Before You Pour campaign urges everyone to avoid washing FOGs down the kitchen drain. Instead, always dispose of them in the bin once cool.
Nuala Woods, Head of Wastewater Operations at Uisce Éireann noted:
Everyday people flush thousands of sanitary items, such as wet wipes and cotton buds, down the toilet instead of simply putting them in the bin. This causes blockages in our network, pumping stations and wastewater treatment plants and can lead to sewage overflows impacting some of our most beautiful coastal and river locations. We clear approximately 10,000 blockages from our wastewater network every year. Through our partnership with Clean Coasts, we work to preserve and protect our environment and shine a light on the link between what you flush down the toilet and can end up at your local river or beach.