• Our coasts will be cleaner and wildlife better protected as the Labour Government has signed into law a ban on the sale of plastic wet wipes this week, marking a major step forward in tackling plastic pollution, which devastates Sussex’s beaches and seas.
• Wet wipes containing plastic are a growing source of pollution on our coast. When flushed, they can break down into microplastics that poison wildlife and enter the food chain.
• A recent survey showed an average of 20 wet wipes littering every 100 metres of beach across the UK.
• UK Water research found that wet wipes contribute to 94% of sewer blockages, which cost water companies around £200 million to fix each year – a cost that is ultimately passed onto households through their water bills.
• Everyone in Sussex can take action now by ensuring that any wet wipes, even if they are labelled as flushable, are put in the bin rather than flushed away, to reduce costly blockages and safeguard nature.
Emma Reynolds, Environment Secretary, said: “This ban will put an end to plastic wet wipes which choke our sewers, litter our beaches and poison wildlife.
“It’s another example of the government taking strong, decisive action to clean up our rivers, lakes and seas.
“But we all have a role to play. Every wet wipe flushed down the toilet risks blocking sewers, causing pollution and pushing up household bills. The solution is simple: bin wet wipes, don’t flush them.”
Tom Rutland, Labour MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, said: “Protecting and enhancing our beautiful coastline is a priority for me and for everyone living here – we love to live by the sea.
Plastic wet wipes have for too long been blighting seas and beaches across the country, so I’m proud to support this ban, which will clean up our beaches in Southwick, Shoreham, Lancing and East Worthing – as well as help to tackle blockages in our sewage pipes.
It’s another practical step forward from the Government that will make a real difference locally as we make our water system fit for the future.”