The BBC is reporting that wet wipes are likely to be phased out of use as part of the Government’s plan to eliminate plastic waste. Wet Wipes count as a single-use plastic as they contain a non-biodegradable plastic. They are said to be behind 93% of blockages in UK sewers and a key element of the infamous giant obstacles known as fatbergs, according to Water UK, the trade body representing all of the main water and sewerage companies in the country.
While many of us will be keen to help eliminate single-use plastics and help environmental conservation, wet wipes are an integral part of everyday lives, they are used in a variety of industries and are a staple for households. Many nurses use them to help wash patients who are unable to regularly wash in a more conventional manner, parents will know that they are a godsend for changing babies and cleaning up sticky fingers on days out or just around the house. The uses for wet wipes are many and people are concerned about what the implications will be should wet wipes be completely phased out.
There are wipes on the market that are biodegradable but are still not suitable for flushing, but whether companies will be encouraged to develop their production further to make them more easily disposable has yet to be confirmed. Defra is in the process of exploring how changes to the tax system or charges could be used to reduce the amount of single-use plastics wasted. Prime Minister Theresa May pledged in January to eradicate all “avoidable plastic waste” by 2042, which will include consultations over whether or not to ban plastic straws, cotton buds and drink stirrers, among other everyday plastics.
