Lanes Group launches the fifth year of Unblocktober

The drainage experts Lanes Group have announced the launch of their fifth Unblocktober campaign. The campaign is calling on both individuals and businesses to take the Unblocktober pledge. The pledge asks the UK public to improve our drain health and reduce the impact that our waste is having on our climate and environment in the UK.

Unblocktober is a revolutionary month-long initiative that began in 2019 and is entirely driven by the British public. It takes place in October and aims to enhance the health of our drains, sewers, watercourses and seas. The initiative promotes taking the Unblocktober promise, which involves pledging to keep potentially harmful waste materials out of one's drains for the whole month.

This includes any of the following products:

• Cooking oil – pre or post-cooking

• Margarine

• Butter

• Lard

• Cooking sauces and condiments

• Food – even crumbs

• Wet wipes

• Tampons, applicators and wrappers

• Sanitary/menstrual pads and towels

• Nappies

• Condoms

• Cotton buds

• Contact lenses

• Bandages and plasters

• Razor blades

• Dental floss

• Rubber gloves

We have poured harmful substances down our drains for decades. This has resulted in the formation of fatbergs that are harmful to our drains and to our environment.

These large fatbergs clog our sewers and drains, making them less efficient than they should be. At a time when we just cannot afford to be causing any more environmental damage, this has had significant ecological effects, and is increasing pollution in our waterways.

Jacob Larkin, spokesperson for Unblocktober, said, “Since our first campaign in 2019, we've seen signups to Unblocktober rise from 4,500 to over 66,000. We are incredibly proud of the efforts of the British public and businesses to tackle the climatic and ecologicalimpact of poor drain health.

“Now, however, is not the time to rest on our laurels. Unblocktober 2023 gives us the opportunity to build on the key wins of the last five years and continue to improve our drain health. Reducing the environmental impact of issues such as fatbergs and wet wipe usage is a key factor improving the overall health of our waterways. Increased awareness of poor habits during Unblocktober will continue to have a positive impact and give the environment a fighting chance.”

For more information on the campaign and how to get involved, visit: www.unblocktober.org

T 0800 526 488
www.lanesfordrains.co.uk