Unblocktober: Taking action for our sewers and waterways

Unblocktober is a month-long campaign dedicated to improving the health of the UK’s sewers and waterways. Every day, millions of us unknowingly contribute to blockages that cause immense damage to our sewer systems, rivers, and oceans. These blockages come primarily from flushing the wrong items down the toilet, disposing of items that cannot break down in drains and improper disposal of fats, oils, and greases (FOG). The consequences aren’t just environmental, they also cost taxpayers millions of pounds each year. In this article, we’ll explore why Unblocktober is so important and how we can all help to make a difference.

The current condition of the UK’s sewers

The UK’s sewer system is one of the oldest in the world, and while it was designed to handle human waste and toilet paper, it was never meant to cope with modern waste habits. According to Water UK, over 300,000 sewer blockages occur annually across the country, with 80% caused by incorrect disposal of items down the drain and toilet. These blockages not only result in overflows into streets and homes but also send untreated sewage into rivers and the sea, posing a severe risk to wildlife and public health.

Which items is it okay to flush?

One of the primary culprits of sewer blockages is the widespread habit of flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet. Items such as wet wipes, sanitary products, cotton buds, and even nappies are often treated as though they will disappear when flushed. In reality, they accumulate and form blockages known as “fatbergs”, which are giant masses of congealed waste that can grow to alarming sizes. A notable example was found in Whitechapel, London, where a 130-tonne fatberg blocked the sewer system and took weeks to remove.

Wet wipes, in particular, are problematic. Though some are marketed as "flushable," they don't break down like toilet paper. In fact, wet wipes are responsible for a significant proportion of blockages and make up 93% of the material causing fatbergs, according to the Marine Conservation Society. When these wipes get stuck in the system, they attract other waste and create huge blockages that are difficult to clear.

The FOG problem: fats, oils, and greases

FOG (fats, oils, and greases) are another major cause of sewer blockages. When cooking oil, butter, or other greases are poured down the sink, they cool and solidify in the pipes. Over time, they build up and cause serious clogs in the sewer network. In the UK, 70% of sewer blockages are caused by FOG-related issues.

These blockages aren’t just a minor inconvenience. When sewers are blocked, wastewater has nowhere to go and can back up into homes or streets. Worse still, in some cases, it forces untreated sewage to be discharged into rivers and coastal waters, contributing to the pollution of water bodies that are vital to ecosystems and communities.

The Environment Agency reported that in 2021, over 400,000 discharges of untreated sewage were made into UK rivers and coastal areas, largely due to blockages caused by FOG and inappropriate items. This pollution has dire consequences for aquatic life and contributes to the rising levels of plastic and chemical pollution in the water.

The impact on waterways and wildlife

The damage caused by blockages doesn’t stop in the sewers. Once items like wet wipes, sanitary products, and other plastics make their way into rivers and seas, they break down into microplastics, which are consumed by fish, birds, and other marine life. According to the RSPB, an estimated 80% of marine litter in the UK originates from sources on land, including sewage-related waste.

Microplastics have been found in rivers like the Thames, which has become one of the most polluted rivers in Europe. The ingestion of plastics by fish and birds not only harms them but also has potential consequences for the food chain, including humans who consume seafood.

What can you do this Unblocktober?

The good news is that small changes can make a big difference. By participating in Unblocktober, we can all help reduce the pressure on our sewer systems and waterways. Here are some simple actions you can take:

Only flush the essentials: The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Anything else belongs in the bin.

Dispose of FOG correctly: Instead of pouring fats, oils, and greases down the drain, collect them in a container and throw them in the bin when they’ve cooled.

Use a strainer: Place strainers in your sinks to catch food scraps and prevent them from washing down the drain.

Check product labels: Even if wet wipes or other products say they are flushable, check to see if they are truly biodegradable. When in doubt, throw them in the bin.

Spread the word: Encourage your friends, family, and community to join Unblocktober and adopt more sewer-friendly habits.

Unblocktober is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how our daily habits impact the environment and to make changes that can benefit the UK's sewers, waterways, and wildlife. By ensuring that only the correct items are flushed and disposed of properly, we can prevent costly blockages, reduce pollution, and protect the environment for future generations.