BOSSES at Thames Water are warning people not to flush their cotton buds down the toilet because they threaten our rivers.>

Bin your buds to save wildlife, says water company

Picture shows Tony Dearsley

BOSSES at Thames Water are warning people not to flush their cotton buds down the toilet because they threaten our rivers.

More than half-a-million cotton buds are estimated to be flushed into drains in this region every week. The company is now urging customers to put buds in the bin instead.

Tony Dearsley, Thames Water's environment manager, said: "Cotton buds flushed down the toilet cause real problems for the environment.

"The plastic stick lasts for years. They litter riverbanks in their thousands and could harm wildlife.

"In addition, along with other items of household waste, they clog up drains and can disrupt the sewage treatment process by getting caught in pumps and other machinery."

Thames Water's advice on cotton buds is part of a national campaign called Bag It and Bin It, which encourages people not to put household waste, like condoms, nappies, sanitary products and plastic wrappings, down the drain.

% Customers can request a copy of the Bag It and Bin It leaflet, which offers guidance on how to dispose of a wide range of household waste, by calling Thames Water's 24-hour Customer Care line on 0645 200800

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