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• Clean Coasts and Uisce Éireann continue to urge Cork communities to ‘Think Before You Flush’ and help protect our water and environment 

Uisce Éireann and Clean Coasts are urging the public to continue to ‘Think Before You Flush’ as alarmingly a recent survey has revealed an increase in the disposal of wipes and other sanitary products down the toilet. Those aged under 35 are almost twice as likely to dispose of products down the toilet, compared to those aged over 35, and almost three times as likely compared to those over 55. 

Whether labelled as ‘flushable’ or not, wipes should never be disposed of in toilets. With the growing popularity of year-round open water swimming, it is important to remember that our flushing habits directly affect the environment and in particular rivers and coastal areas. Making minor adjustments in our daily habits can play a crucial role in preventing sanitary waste appearing along rivers, sandy beaches, rugged shores, and hidden bays. 

The campaign is also being championed by swimming and outdoor advocates who are appealing to the public to consider their habits and Think Before You Flush. 

Speaking about the survey results Tom Cuddy, Uisce Éireann said:

“In 2018, our research showed that 36% of people living in Ireland were regularly flushing the wrong things down the toilet. Today, we are pleased to announce that this figure has significantly decreased to 24%. While this one third decrease is certainly encouraging, it is crucial to acknowledge that it represents a slight increase compared to recent years.”

Uisce Éireann and Clean Coasts have been steadfast partners for the last seven years with a joint mission to drive the Think Before You Flush Campaign and reduce environmental impacts through behavioural change. Despite this progress, there remains a pressing concern as there are still too many people flushing the wrong items down the toilet impacting our natural and built environment.

Tom continued:

“We know the awareness is there, we are just asking people to take a moment to consider their flushing habits and put litter in the bin rather than down the toilet. The impact of removing these products from our wastewater system is immense, and they unfortunately can ultimately end up on our beautiful beaches and rivers right across the country. As Uisce Éireann continues its journey of upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, it is important that we continue to work together to protect and enhance our environment. Every individual’s contribution counts, and by making conscientious choices about what we flush, we can collectively make a huge difference.” 

Speaking about the campaign, Sinead McCoy, Clean Coasts said:

“Our message is straightforward: only the 3 Ps – pee, poo, and paper – should find their way into the toilet bowl. All other items must be placed in the bin. By following this practice, we can significantly reduce sewer blockages, minimise the risk of home and business flooding, and mitigate the environmental pollution that poses a threat to wildlife, such as fish and birds, their natural habitats and our coastlines. A minor change in our flushing behaviour can have huge benefits for our natural surroundings – simply dispose of wipes, cotton bud sticks, and sanitary items in the bin, not down the toilet.’ 

2023 Think Before You Flush Survey Summary of Results

• In 2023 Uisce Éireann commissioned a survey of the nation’s flushing behaviour. 1,062 adults aged 18+ were surveyed by Behaviour & Attitudes. Where relevant, comparisons to a similar survey undertaken in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022 are made and assist us in our understanding of the nation’s flushing behaviour over this period.
• The frequency of sewage related littering is highest in younger age profiles with close to 4 in ten (40%) of under 35s admitting to regularly flushing unsuitable items down the toilet (compared to 22% for those aged 35-54 and 14% for those aged 55+). The U35 age profile has seen improvement in the reduction of this environmentally harmful behaviour; this was 52% in 2018, now 40% in 2023. However, the disposal of wet wipes labelled as ‘flushable’ down the toilet it greatest amongst the younger U35s age profile (17%) (compared to 12% for those aged 35-54 and 10% for those aged 55+).
• Everyday thousands of unsuitable items are flushed down toilets in Ireland instead of being put in the bin. This causes blockages in our wastewater systems, ultimately leading to sewer overflows and pollution in rivers, on beaches and in the ocean.  
• Close to one in five adults (24%) regularly admit to flushing items down the toilet that are known to cause blockages in our wastewater network and treatment plants.  Although this incidence rate is still too high, it represents a positive 33% improvement in the Nations flushing behaviour which was 36% in 2018.
• Historically, the flushing of wipes were the most common items causing blockages in our wastewater network, leading to environmental pollution. Since 2018 we have seen a positive 22% reduction in people flushing wipes down the toilet. This was 18% in 2018, now 14% in 2023. However, this has increased from 10% in 2022 to 14% in 2023.
• The most common items being flushed down the toilet are hair, wipes (any), paper towels, toilet wipes, dental floss, cleaning wipes, any other type of wipe, tampons, baby wipes, facial wipes, cotton buds, cigarette butts.  

About Think Before You Flush campaign

Think Before You Flush is a public awareness campaign about the problems sanitary products and other items can cause in the plumbing in our homes, our wastewater network and our marine environment when they are flushed down the toilet. The campaign is operated by Clean Coasts (An Taisce) in partnership with Uisce Éireann.  

TBYF is about changing people’s flushing behaviour – like never using the toilet to dispose of items such as nappies / wipes / cotton bud sticks / food / plasters etc. Having a bin in the bathroom can help. Think Before You Pour focuses on raising awareness of the issues caused by pouring fats, oils and greases down the drain and provides advice on how to dispose of these correctly.