London Launches Major Cleanup to Remove Wet Wipe Island from Thames
London has begun a historic cleanup of 'Wet Wipe Island' in the Thames River, removing approximately 180 tons of flushed bathroom debris using heavy machinery, marking the UK's first large-scale mechanical removal of wet wipes from a river. This effort follows years of volunteer-led efforts and scientific research highlighting the environmental damage caused by wet wipes, which are contributing to microplastic pollution and harming aquatic life. The cleanup is part of broader policy measures, including a planned ban on plastic-containing wet wipes by 2026, aimed at reducing sewer blockages and improving water quality.
