Why what we flush matters more than we think

This month we’re marking Unblocktober – a national campaign raising awareness about what we put down our drains and toilets. It’s not just about preventing blocked pipes; it’s about protecting our environment, reducing costs, and keeping our communities healthy.

It’s why we work in partnership with the Rivers Trust to draw attention to the problem.

The scale of the problem

Across the UK, around 300,000 sewer blockages are recorded every year, costing more than £100 million to fix. Most of these are caused by items that should never have been flushed in the first place.

Recent research shows:

• 93% of blockages are made up of wet wipes, which don’t break down like toilet paper.
• 22% of people still admit to flushing wipes, even when they know they shouldn’t.
• Engineers recently removed a 100-tonne fatberg from West London sewers – made up of wipes, oils and grease.

It’s easy to assume that flushing “just one wipe” doesn’t matter, but collectively, our habits have huge consequences – for water companies, local councils, taxpayers, and our environment.

Why it matters

Public health and hygiene Blocked sewers can cause overflows and contamination, putting homes, workplaces, and local waterways at risk.

Financial impact Every blockage needs to be cleared – and the costs need to be covered by the business.

Environmental damage Wipes and sanitary waste that escape the system end up in rivers and seas, breaking down into micro-plastics and harming wildlife.

The simple solution

The golden rule is simple: only flush the 3Ps – pee, poo and paper.

Everything else should go in a bin.

That’s where hygiene bins play a vital role. When toilets don’t offer a safe, discreet way to dispose of wipes or sanitary products, users are far more likely to flush them instead. Providing the right facilities removes the temptation – and prevents blockages before they start.

How we help

At Simply Washrooms, we make it easy for organisations to do the right thing:

• Provide compliant hygiene binsin every washroom, designed for comfort and discretion.
• Regularly service and sanitise bins to maintain hygiene standards and prevent overflow.
• Educate users with clear signage and campaigns that support Unblocktober’s message.
• Ensure compliance with UK sanitary waste legislation and environmental standards.

Our work helps clients reduce maintenance costs, improve sustainability, and demonstrate real care for employees, customers, and the planet.

This Unblocktober

Take a moment to think about what’s going down your drains – at home and at work. Audit your facilities, check your signage, and make sure your washrooms give users the right disposal options.

Because a small change in behaviour – supported by the right infrastructure – can prevent pollution, save money, and protect our environment for generations to come.

Only flush the 3Ps. Everything else? Bin it.