Wet Wipes Bill

SOUTHEND West and Leigh MP David Burton-Sampson has submitted a Ten Minute Rule Bill to Parliament, to tackle sewage blockages and protect waterways by reforming how wet wipes are marketed, labelled and sold.

Mr Burton-Sampson’s Bill builds on concerns raised through Southend’s pioneering Water Summits, which have successfully brought together local residents, water companies, regulators, campaigners, and the local authority alongside Southend’s MPs.

Mr Burton-Sampson’s speech in Parliament highlighted the major contribution that wet wipes have towards sewer blockages, including “fatbergs” which are a solid mass of grease, cooking fats, and non-biodegradable items like wet wipes.

Blockages can, in turn, lead to sewage spills into waterways or sewage backing up into homes.

Anglian Water estimates that around 500,000 wet wipes are flushed daily across its network, and with more than 600 blockages in Mr Burton-Sampson’s constituency alone last year, he says that it is clear that more needs to be done on this.

He said: “People should have consumer confidence in what it says on the packaging of wet wipes, and we simply need to tackle the issue of harmful products entering our sewer network, damaging wildlife, and contributing to sewage pollution.

“My Bill would give consumers clear information, hold manufacturers to higher standards, and help deliver a simple message: if in doubt, just bin it.”

The MP invited the founder of Waterwatch UK, Southend resident Daniella Boon, to Parliament to witness the speech and Bill’s introduction.

Reflecting on the experience, Ms Boon said: “The point David made around education and marketing is really important.

“The fact that we still label wet wipes as flushable when they’re not is ridiculous and it needs to change soon.”

The Bill itself would require clear labelling on wet wipes packaging advising consumers to dispose of wipes in the bin and ensure that manufacturers can only market wipes as flushable if they can prove through rigorous testing that the product breaks down safely and does not harm sewer systems or household plumbing.

“We can’t expect people to undertake rigorous testing of wipes when they just need to flush them and get on with their day,” Mr Burton-Sampson said. “This Bill makes life easier for consumers, makes our waterways healthier, and improves our natural environment.”

Picture: David Burton-Sampson with Daniella Boon outside Parliament.

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