The ban, which came into effect on 18 November, targets one of the most common causes of sewer blockages across the UK. Wet wipes containing plastic fibres are a major contributor to fatbergs — large, solid masses that form when wipes combine with fats, oils and grease in the sewer network.
The announcement supports South West Water’s ongoing ‘Bin It, Don’t Block It’ campaign, which aims to reduce blockages by improving customer awareness of what should and should not be flushed.
Richard Price, Managing Director of Wastewater Services at South West Water, said:
“We welcome the Government’s decision to ban wet wipes containing plastic – it’s a really important step forward in reducing sewer blockages, which in turn helps protect our rivers and seas.”
Across Devon and Cornwall, South West Water removes around 7,000 blockages each year, with approximately three-quarters caused by wet wipes and fats that have entered the sewer system. In 2024/25, the company removed an estimated 450 tonnes of material from the network.
The utility is continuing to encourage households to adopt simple habits to prevent blockages, including only flushing the ‘three Ps’ — pee, poo and paper — and disposing of all wipes in the bin. Customers are also advised not to pour fats, oils or grease down the sink, instead collecting them in a container and disposing of them once cooled.
South West Water hopes that future steps will include clearer product labelling, strengthened standards and an expanded ban covering all types of unflushable wipes.
More information about the ‘Bin It, Don’t Block It’ campaign can be found on South West Water’s website.
