Unblocktober stands as the inaugural month-long national campaign and awareness initiative dedicated to enhancing the well-being of our drains, sewers, watercourses, and seas—fueled entirely by the British public. Introduced in 2019, the inaugural Unblocktober witnessed over 4,500 individuals nationwide committing to modifying their kitchen and bathroom practices both at home and in the workplace.

Purpose and Objectives

Unblocktober’s primary goals are:

1. Preventing Drain Blockages: The campaign raises awareness of the common causes of blockages in the drainage system, particularly the improper disposal of materials like fats, oils, grease (commonly known as FOG), wet wipes, sanitary products, and plastics. These materials often accumulate in drains and sewers, leading to blockages and environmental damage.

2. Protecting the Environment: By encouraging better waste disposal habits, Unblocktober aims to protect the UK’s rivers, seas, and marine life. Blockages in drains often lead to sewer overflows, which can result in untreated waste being released into natural waterways, harming ecosystems and contributing to plastic pollution.

3. Supporting Wastewater Infrastructure: The campaign emphasizes the importance of keeping the UK’s aging wastewater infrastructure in good working order. Blockages can cause costly damage to pipes and lead to flooding, which can affect homes, businesses, and public health.

4. Promoting Awareness on Fatbergs: One of the major concerns highlighted during Unblocktober is the formation of fatbergs—large, solid masses of waste material that form in sewers. Fatbergs are typically made up of FOG, wet wipes, and other non-biodegradable items that bind together, creating blockages that are difficult to remove and can cause significant disruption.

How It Works

During Unblocktober, participants—whether they are individuals, households, or businesses—are encouraged to commit to environmentally responsible habits, including:

1. Avoid Pouring FOG Down the Drain: Participants are advised to properly dispose of fats, oils, and grease by collecting them in containers and throwing them in the bin, rather than pouring them down the sink.

2. Dispose of Wet Wipes Properly: Wet wipes, even those labeled as "flushable," do not break down easily and contribute to sewer blockages. Unblocktober encourages participants to place used wipes in the bin instead of flushing them.

3. Choose Plastic-Free Products: Unblocktober promotes reducing the use of single-use plastics, as plastic products that enter the drainage system can contribute to environmental pollution and blockages.

4. Use Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products: The campaign suggests switching to eco-friendly cleaning products that do not contain harmful chemicals, which can contribute to water pollution when they enter the drainage system.

5. Raising Awareness: Participants are encouraged to spread the word about the campaign on social media and in their communities to ensure that more people are aware of how they can protect the environment and prevent drain blockages.

Key Issues Highlighted During Unblocktober

1. Fatbergs: Fatbergs are one of the most visible and problematic consequences of poor drain habits. These massive blockages form when FOG and other non-biodegradable materials combine. Some of the largest fatbergs discovered in the UK have weighed several tons and required significant resources to remove. By reducing the amount of FOG and non-flushable items entering the sewers, Unblocktober aims to combat the formation of these fatbergs.

2. Plastic Pollution: A large part of Unblocktober focuses on reducing plastic waste. Non-biodegradable products like wet wipes and sanitary items contain plastic fibers, which not only block drains but also contribute to the growing issue of plastic pollution in the world’s oceans and rivers. Microplastics, which result from the breakdown of these materials, can enter the food chain and harm marine life.

3. Sewer and Waterway Health: When sewers become blocked, the risk of overflow increases, leading to untreated sewage entering natural waterways. This can damage ecosystems, harm wildlife, and degrade water quality. Unblocktober aims to raise awareness of these risks and promote behavior that protects both sewers and the natural environment.

4. Climate Change and Flooding: With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, particularly heavy rainfall, sewer systems are under growing pressure. Blockages exacerbate flooding risks, particularly in urban areas. By reducing blockages, Unblocktober seeks to improve the resilience of wastewater systems in the face of climate change.

Campaign Activities

1. Public Pledge: Unblocktober encourages participants to take a pledge to improve their waste disposal habits. This pledge includes commitments to avoid flushing non-biodegradable items and properly dispose of FOG.

2. Educational Resources: The campaign provides resources, including guides, fact sheets, and social media content, to educate the public on the impact of improper waste disposal and how to adopt better habits.

3. Engagement with Schools and Businesses: Unblocktober works with schools, local councils, and businesses to spread its message. Businesses in the food industry, in particular, are encouraged to adopt practices that prevent FOG from entering drains.

4. Collaboration with Water Companies: Water companies play a significant role in promoting Unblocktober, as they are often responsible for clearing blockages and maintaining sewer systems. Many water companies use Unblocktober as an opportunity to run public awareness campaigns and offer advice on how to reduce blockages.

Impact and Successes

Since its launch, Unblocktober has garnered significant support from individuals, organizations, and businesses across the UK. The campaign has raised awareness of the issue of drain blockages and has led to positive behavioral changes among participants.

1. Increased Awareness: Unblocktober has successfully brought attention to the environmental and infrastructure problems caused by improper waste disposal, particularly the formation of fatbergs. Through media coverage and social media campaigns, the message has reached a wide audience.

2. Behavioral Change: Participants have reported adopting better habits when it comes to disposing of FOG and avoiding flushing non-biodegradable products. This shift in behavior has had a positive impact on reducing blockages in some areas.

3. Support from Water Utilities: Many water utilities across the UK, such as Thames Water and Severn Trent, have backed the campaign and used it to promote awareness of the challenges they face in managing the country’s wastewater infrastructure.

Challenges

1. Long-Term Impact: While Unblocktober has successfully raised awareness and changed behaviors in the short term, maintaining these habits year-round is a challenge. There is a need for ongoing education and reinforcement of the campaign’s message to ensure lasting change.

2. Widespread Engagement: While the campaign has been successful in engaging a broad audience, reaching certain sectors, particularly the food industry, remains a challenge. More businesses need to adopt sustainable practices for managing FOG and waste.

Conclusion

Unblocktober plays a vital role in addressing the significant environmental and infrastructural challenges posed by improper waste disposal in the UK. By raising awareness, promoting responsible behaviors, and encouraging individuals and businesses to commit to better practices, the campaign has made meaningful strides in protecting drains, sewers, and waterways. However, continuous efforts and widespread participation are needed to ensure the long-term success of the campaign and the health of the environment.