Southern Water welcomes ban on plastic wet wipes from 2027

An industry expert has said the ban, set to take effect from May 2027, is a "really positive step" in the fight against sewer blockages, but warned that more action is needed to address the full scale of the problem.

Matt Collins, FOG (fat, oil and grease) and Unflushables manager at Southern Water, said: "From spring 2027, it will be illegal to sell wet wipes containing plastic.

"This is a really positive step, and one many of us in the industry have been hoping for.

"But from what my team and I see day to day, it doesn’t go far enough to reflect the scale of the problem."

Southern Water reported that wet wipes were responsible for 59 per cent of blockages between 2020 and 2025 (Image: Southern Water)

Between 2020 and 2025, wet wipes were responsible for 59 per cent of all blockages cleared by Southern Water - more than 91,000 incidents.

Mr Collins said many of the 30,000 blockages the company deals with each year are avoidable.

Wet wipes, including those labelled "flushable," do not break down like toilet paper.

Instead, they get caught in pipes and combine with fats and other debris to form fatbergs, which block sewers and can lead to flooding, property damage, and environmental harm.

Across the water industry, the cost of dealing with these blockages is estimated at around £200m every year.

Mr Collins said: "Removing plastic from wipes will help reduce microplastic pollution, but changing materials alone will not solve the problem.

"For the past 10 years of my career, I’ve worked directly with customers in blockage hotspot areas and cleared many preventable sewer blockages.

"I’ve seen the damage wipes cause up close, and the consequences are far more devastating than most people realise."

Southern Water has welcomed the government's ban on plastic-based wet wipes. (Image: Southern Water)

He stressed that the upcoming ban should not lead people to believe the issue has been resolved.

Mr Collins said: "With the ban approaching, its vital people don’t assume the issue is solved.

"Whether plastic-free or labelled flushable, all wipes are a major contributor to blockages when flushed.

"Only flush the three Ps - pee, paper and poo.

"Simple habits like using the bin can make a significant difference.

"Putting wipes in the bin is a small action that protects homes, reduces costs and safeguards our environment."

Wet wipes are also a visible pollution concern, with an average of 20 found per 100 metres of UK coastline, according to recent surveys.