Maya Ellison
The presence of plastic in flushable wipes is a pressing issue, with serious environmental and financial implications. Although some wipes are marketed as flushable, many of these products do not break down in water and can cause blockages in pipes, leading to costly repairs. Even if they do break down, many of these wipes contain plastics such as polyester and polypropylene, which do not decompose but fragment into microplastic pollutants that can end up in rivers and be ingested by marine life. While some wipes are made from biodegradable materials like wood pulp and cotton, many contain plastic binders or synthetic resins, making them tough and water-resistant. The presence of plastic in flushable wipes has been linked to the decline of Asian clams in the River Thames, as well as the ingestion of microplastics by other wildlife. With the potential for serious ecological consequences, it is important to understand the composition of flushable wipes and their impact on the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flushable wipes contain plastic | 90% of wipes contain some type of plastic, such as polyester and polypropylene. |
| Plastic-free alternatives | Biodegradable wipes are often made of cotton or bamboo and are free from plastic. |
| Environmental impact | Flushable wipes can cause problems for freshwater, marine life, and plumbing. |
| Water UK standard | The "Fine to Flush" standard was created in 2019 for wipes that contain no plastic and can degrade in sewers. |
| Industry guidelines | For a wipe to be considered flushable, it must clear toilets and sewers, pass through septic systems, and be compatible with wastewater treatment without causing blockages. |
| Sewer clogs | Flushable wipes have been blamed for sewer clogs and overflows, although they made up less than 2% of clogging materials in NYC in 2016. |
| Biodegradability | Some flushable wipes are made from biodegradable materials like tree pulp, but the packaging is often not biodegradable. |
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What You'll Learn
- Flushable wipes can damage freshwater sources, marine life, and plumbing
- Flushable wipes are made from biodegradable materials like wood pulp, cotton, and rayon
- Plastic in wipes can release microplastics into the environment
- Biodegradable wipes are made from cotton or bamboo and are plastic-free
- Some flushable wipes are septic and sewer-safe
Flushable wipes can damage freshwater sources, marine life, and plumbing
While some claim that flushable wipes do disintegrate, others argue that they do not break down sufficiently and can cause significant damage to freshwater sources, marine life, and plumbing before they even begin to degrade.
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) estimates that wipes cost U.S. clean water utilities an additional $441 million per year. Wipes contain microplastics that, when broken down, can be ingested by aquatic life and settle near wastewater treatment plants. These microplastics can also break up into microfibers, which are the most common type of microplastics found inside fish and shellfish worldwide. Studies have shown that these microfibers cause decreased feeding, slowed growth, and reproductive harm to these animals.
The environmental impact of flushable wipes is further exacerbated by their packaging, which implies and encourages flushing. This has resulted in wipes being flushed in large quantities, contributing to blockages and clogs in plumbing systems. In addition, the artificial fiber parts of wipes, often made from plastics like polyester and polypropylene, can affect their ability to degrade in water, adding to the burden on wastewater and drinking water treatment plants.
The issue of flushable wipes has also led to legislative efforts, such as the Fine to Flush standard in the United Kingdom, which requires lab testing of wet wipes. Those that contain no plastic and can degrade like toilet paper receive accreditation. In the United States, the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act has been proposed to address the problem.
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Flushable wipes are made from biodegradable materials like wood pulp, cotton, and rayon
Flushable wipes are often made from biodegradable materials like wood pulp, cotton, and rayon. However, it is important to note that not all wipes labelled as "flushable" are truly biodegradable. Some wipes contain plastic fibres or synthetic materials that can cause environmental harm and contribute to fatbergs—large clogs of solids that mix with fats, oils, and grease in sewer systems.
To address this issue, Water UK and the Water Research Centre (WRC) introduced the "Fine to Flush" standard in 2019, which accredited wipes that contained no plastic and could degrade in sewers like toilet paper. This certification provided assurance that the wipes would not negatively impact freshwater, marine life, or plumbing systems. While the "Fine to Flush" certificate ended in March 2024, it highlighted the importance of proper waste disposal and encouraged the development of truly biodegradable wipes.
Biodegradable wipes are typically made from renewable plant fibres, such as cotton, bamboo, or tree pulp. These natural materials break down safely and quickly after use, reducing the risk of blockages and minimizing the release of microplastics into the environment. Some wipes, like Natracare's Safe to Flush Moist Tissues, are made with 100% reinforced paper, ensuring smooth and thin tissues that are truly flushable.
It is worth mentioning that even biodegradable wipes may not be suitable for flushing in certain systems. For example, cotton cloths might not break down effectively in some sewers and can cause blockages. Therefore, it is essential to follow local guidelines and recommendations regarding the disposal of wipes, even those marketed as flushable.
Overall, while flushable wipes made from biodegradable materials like wood pulp, cotton, and rayon offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wipes, proper disposal methods should still be followed to maintain the integrity of plumbing and sewer systems.
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Plastic in wipes can release microplastics into the environment
Plastic is present in 90% of wipes, with manufacturers blending cotton with plastic resins like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP) to create a soft yet durable texture. While some wipes are marketed as "flushable," this term is misleading. The presence of plastic in these wipes means they do not fully biodegrade but instead break into smaller pieces, releasing microplastics into the water supply and the environment.
The release of microplastics from wipes has significant environmental consequences. For example, in 2017, wet wipes and fatbergs were found to be damaging London's waters, leading to the creation of the Fine to Flush standard in 2019. This standard accredited wipes that contained no plastic and could degrade in sewers, aiming to reduce plastic pollution in waterways.
The environmental impact of plastic in wipes extends beyond freshwater systems. When plastic wipes are disposed of in landfills or end up on land, they can break down into microplastics and release these tiny particles into the soil. These microplastics can then be ingested by animals, potentially entering the food chain and impacting various ecosystems.
To address this issue, some companies offer biodegradable or compostable wipes made from materials like bamboo or organic cotton, which are free from plastic. These wipes break down safely and quickly after use, reducing the risk of microplastic pollution. However, it is important to note that even these biodegradable wipes should not be flushed, as they can contribute to blockages in sewage systems.
The presence of plastic in wipes highlights the need for better regulation and labeling practices. While some companies are taking steps to create plastic-free alternatives, full disclosure of ingredients is not currently required for wipes. This lack of transparency makes it challenging for consumers to make informed choices and contributes to the ongoing release of microplastics into the environment.
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Biodegradable wipes are made from cotton or bamboo and are plastic-free
Flushable wipes are a significant contributor to environmental damage, with their production and disposal allowing toxic chemicals to enter the water system and, consequently, the food chain. The plastic in these wipes cannot fully biodegrade, instead breaking into smaller pieces and releasing microplastics into the environment.
Biodegradable wipes, on the other hand, are made from renewable plant fibres such as cotton or bamboo and are plastic-free. They break down safely and quickly after use, without leaving microplastics in the ecosystem. The Natracare range, for example, offers intimate, baby, and makeup wipes made from 100% organic cotton cloths. Their Safe to Flush Moist Tissues are also paper-based and infused with organic witch hazel and aloe vera. These tissues have been rigorously tested and are accredited as "Fine to Flush", ensuring they will not contribute to the public health crisis of fatbergs.
While biodegradable wipes are a more environmentally friendly alternative, it is still generally recommended to avoid flushing any wipes, even biodegradable ones. Water authorities do not agree with claims that wipes are flushable, and they can cause blockages in sewers and plumbing.
To avoid the plastic in wipes, consumers can opt for biodegradable or compostable options, which are safer for the environment. However, it is important to dispose of these wipes responsibly, as even biodegradable wipes can have negative environmental impacts if flushed.
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Some flushable wipes are septic and sewer-safe
While most wipes contain plastic, there are some flushable wipes that are septic and sewer-safe. These wipes are made from biodegradable materials such as cotton, bamboo, or tree pulp, and are free from plastic.
Cottonelle® Flushable Wipes, for example, are made from tree pulp and are designed to biodegrade in sewer and septic systems. They have been tested and approved by plumbers, and the company claims that they will not affect the normal bacterial activity in a septic system.
Natracare also offers a range of wipes that are made from 100% organic cotton cloths. These wipes are safe to flush and have been rigorously tested to ensure they are truly flushable and will not contribute to the growing public health crisis of fatbergs.
However, it is important to note that not all wipes marketed as "flushable" or "septic-safe" are actually safe for septic and sewer systems. Many of these wipes take longer to break down compared to traditional toilet paper, leading to clogged pipes and jammed pumps in sewer systems.
To avoid potential damage to septic and sewer systems, it is recommended to opt for biodegradable or compostable wipes that are free from plastic. These wipes will break down safely and quickly after use, reducing the impact on the environment and wastewater treatment facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
Flushable wipes can be made of plastic. While some wipes are made from biodegradable materials like cotton, bamboo, and paper, many contain plastic resins and artificial fibers derived from plastics like polyester and polypropylene.
Plastic is used in wipes to create a soft yet durable texture.
No, you should not flush plastic wipes. They can cause plumbing issues and negatively impact the environment by adding more waste to water treatment facilities and releasing microplastics into the environment.
