Council joins forces with ‘Think Before You Flush’

In a landmark collaboration, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council has come together with other local authorities from coastal regions across Ireland to pledge their commitment to the “Think Before You Flush” campaign on all Blue Flag Beaches. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of flushing instead of binning sanitary products on our natural environment including beaches and promote responsible waste management practices among beachgoers.

The “Think Before You Flush” campaign, operated by Clean Coasts in partnership with Uisce Éireann, emphasises the importance of appropriate flushing behaviour and disposal of items including wipes and other sanitary products in the bin, even if they are labelled as flushable. Only the 3 Ps, pee, poo and paper should be flushed down the toilet. When items such as wipes and sanitary products are flushed down the toilet, they can cause serious blockages in sewage systems, leading to sewage overflows and ultimately polluting coastal waters and beaches.

Recognising the urgent need to protect Ireland’s remarkable coastal ecosystems, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council has united with other coastal local authorities around Ireland in their commitment to spread awareness about the campaign and promote responsible waste disposal practices.

Under this collaborative effort, participating councils will display Think Before You Flush signage on Blue Flag Beaches, offering clear instructions on appropriate flushing behaviour, highlighting the main items people incorrectly flush down their toilets (the ‘Dirty Dozen’) and encouraging visitors to use designated sanitary waste bins. By partnering with Clean Coasts and Uisce Éireann’s Think Before You Flush campaign, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council aims to foster a culture of environmental responsibility, where individuals can take proactive steps to protect our coastal habitats. The success of this campaign hinges on the participation and support of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown’s coastal stakeholders, including the public, beachgoers, residents, and tourists alike.

Sinead McCoy, Coastal Communities Manager at Clean Coasts, expressed her enthusiasm for Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council’s collaborative efforts and support of the campaign.

“We are thrilled to see Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council and communities from coastal regions across Ireland joining forces to champion the ‘Think Before You Flush’ campaign on our cherished Blue Flag Beaches. This joint commitment not only underscores Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council’s dedication to promoting environmental practices but also highlights shared responsibility for our coastal communities.”