Wet wipes could be banned across the UK as the government said it would start a public consultation based on a promise from big retailers such as Boots and Tesco, who are expected to stop selling products.

The government’s intention is part of a broader plan to clean up and improve water quality in the UK, including tougher enforcement of the pollutant law.

Wet wipes flushed down the toilet cause 93% of sewer blockages and cost around £100 million a year to fix, according to Water UK. While there are a few biodegradable options on the shelves, most products contain plastics that don’t break down and clog pipes over time.

In a water bill released Monday night, the government said it wants to ban them subject to public consultation and will work with industry to ensure green alternatives are available.

Environment Minister Teresa Coffey told the BBC the consultation was “a legal requirement to ensure we can move forward with any ban and the proposal is to ban plastic in wet wipes.”

However, the announcement was criticized by the Liberal Democrats, who said the government first promised to ban plastic in wet wipes in 2018.

The wet wipes plan is one of a series of measures that the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) says will improve water quality in England. Other proposals in the water plan include restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in fire-fighting foam, textiles, cleaners, paints and varnishes.

The government also wants to urge water companies to install more smart meters in households to reduce water demand and give farmers £34m to reduce manure pollution.

Source: skynews