Ministers move to end the scourge of wet wipes containing plastic

The supply and sale of wet wipes containing plastic will be banned across the UK following overwhelming support during public consultation, with 95 per cent of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing with the proposals.

Measures have been set out in a joint response by all four UK nations published today (Monday April 22), including a transition period for businesses to help them prepare.

Scottish Ministers will introduce regulations by the end of 2024 with the ban due to come into force 18 months later.

Wet wipes containing plastic do not biodegrade in the natural environment and persist for many years, which may cause harm to wildlife and the environment, and are a source of unsightly litter and of microplastic pollution.

Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Lorna Slater said: I am delighted to confirm today that the Scottish Government will ban wet wipes containing plastic. These items are a problematic source of marine litter and are a threat to the health of our environment and wildlife. This ban delivers on an important commitment made in our Marine Litter Strategy and builds on previous actions to ban unnecessary single-use plastic items such as plastic-stemmed cotton buds and plastic straws and cutlery.”

Scottish Water has welcomed the announcement and pointed out that Scotland’s sewers are clogged up with around 100 chokes a day with wet wipes, a major factor in causing sewage flooding and teams being deployed to clear them, costing more than £200 per incident.

Simon Parsons, Director of Environment, Planning and Assurance for Scottish Water, said: “We are delighted to see this progress on bringing forward new laws to prevent their sale and use. This will have a significant positive impact on our country’s sewers and our water environments so people can enjoy them without encountering the source of sewage related debris.”

Alex Plant, Scottish Water’s Chief Executive, added: “Scottish Water has worked with a range of organisations, including Water UK, the Marine Conservation Society and Surfers Against Sewage, as well as local campaign groups and elected representatives, to tackle this issue. I am sure news of the ban will be welcomed by all.”

Scottish Water and NHS Scotland have also joined up to share wet wipe disposal messaging through its operations and sites.

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