People are being reminded to only flush pee, poo and paper in a bid to protect Ireland’s sandy beaches, rocky shores and secluded bays.
The campaign which is being launched by Irish Water and Clean Coasts is calling on the public to “Think Before You Flush” as nearly one million people admit to throwing wipes and other sanitary items down the toilet.
They also reminded people that “flushable” wipes must be thrown in the bin.
Speaking about the survey results Irish Water’s Donal Heaney said: “The impacts of flushing the wrong things down the toilet are clear to see, as we are still removing thousands of sewer blockages from our network every month and continue to see this waste ending up on our beaches”.
“Following the latest survey’s findings, we have a call to action to those aged 35 and under in particular to be mindful of their flushing behaviour as this age profile can really help make the difference.
“We are keen to remind people that wipes should never be flushed down the toilet even if they are labelled as ‘flushable’.
“The impact of this waste ending up in our natural environment, on our beaches, shores and riverways is stark. Removing this waste from the sewerage network can be a nasty job which is easily avoided.”
He added: “We have all witnessed the love story unfold between the public and swimming whether that be at piers, beaches, lakes or rivers.
“A small change in our flushing behaviour can make a big difference to our natural environment - put wipes, cotton bud sticks and sanitary items in the bin and not down the toilet.”
Those under the age of 35 were most likely to flush the wrong thing down the toilet according to the survey but in the last four years things have improved.
Research found hair, paper towels, toilet wipes, dental floss, tampons, baby wipes, facial wipes, cotton buds, cigarette butts were among the most common things flung in the toilet.
Sinead McCoy from Clean Coasts said: “The Think Before You Flush campaign, through education and awareness, aims to prevent items like wipes, cotton bud sticks and sanitary items washing up on Ireland’s spectacular beaches.
“While we have seen a positive improvement in the nations flushing behaviour since 2018, one in five adults still admit to regularly flushing unsuitable items down the toilet.”
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