Anglian Water has welcomed the Government’s announcement that it will ban sales of wet wipes containing plastic, subject to consultation.

Announced as part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Plan for Water, plastic wet wipes will be banned from next year as part of the Government’s plans to ensure cleaner and more plentiful water.

Anglian Water has been campaigning for a ban on plastic wet wipes for several years. Recent data gathered by Anglian Water revealed that people across the East of England have wrongly disposed of almost 3000 tonnes of unflushable items down the sewer network. The mountain of rubbish, which is largely made up of wet wipes, disposable face masks, nappies, sanitary items and cotton buds, has been filtered out by Anglian’s Water Recycling Centres over 12 months. The company clears 40,000 blockages annually, 80% of which are the result of fatbergs caused by wet wipes combined with fats, oils and grease. This costs £19 million every year.

The weater company said a ban on wet wipes containing plastic would significantly reduce blockages in Anglian Water’s sewerage system, helping minimise flooding in the region as well as protecting the regions rivers and local environment from plastic pollution.

Anglian Water has taken an active role in tackling the problem of wet wipes, for example in supporting consumer campaigns such as ‘Unblocktober’ and its drive to protect the wider environment.

Last month, the company also launched a £17 million programme of work to tackle sewer blockages and prevent pollutions across Southend.

As a company, Anglian has publicly supported Fleur Anderson MP 's Private Member's Bill on banning plastic in wet wipes and has called on regional MPs to do the same and vote for the bill. Last year, the company submitted evidence to the Government consultation about single use plastic, which outlined the negative impact that wet wipes have on our sewage network and our environment.

Dr Robin Price, Director of Quality and Environment at Anglian water, said:

“We care passionately about protecting and enhancing the environment and are delighted by this huge step forward in clearing up our sewers and waterways. Our data shows just how much unflushable material is impacting and blocking our systems and wet wipes are the most common cause of problems in sewers. Most blockages are entirely preventable, but lead to devastating sewage spills, can harm the environment and cost millions of pounds each year to clear. Ultimately, only the 3 ‘p’s should be flushed – pee, poo and (toilet) paper.

“I look forward to the outcome of the government’s consultation shortly and confirmation of a full ban on plastic wet wipes next year.”