The use of wet wipes has become more popular, with a range of styles available including eye make-up removers, baby wipes and ‘toilet’ wipes. But incorrect labelling and marketing of wet wipes as ‘flushable’ has resulted in serious plumbing issues by contributing to ‘fatbergs’ – congealed lumps of fat, sanitary items, wet wipes and so on. Wet wipes don’t disintegrate like toilet paper when flushed. They typically contain plastic so, once they reach the sea, they last for a long time, causing havoc with marine life.
Make sure that you dispose of them in the rubbish bin rather than in your toilet. Aside from the risk to our oceans, waterways and wildlife, it is estimated that Australian water utilities spend $15 million each year removing wet wipes from sewage treatment plants and pumping stations. Households can face plumbing bills in the thousands of dollars.
What about ‘biodegradable’ wet wipes?
Wet wipes do not degrade during a flush or break down by the time they reach the sewer infrastructure. Even if you don’t flush your wet wipes, they end up in landfill. A far better option is to use Biodegradable wet wipes and that way, they will be degrade in up to 60 days and not like other Polyester (Plastic) wipes thar saty for 100 years.
