Progress on sewer awareness but behaviour tipping point not yet in reach

A survey carried out to mark the 7^th year of Unblocktober, the campaign to protect sewers, seas and waterways, shows there is growing awareness of problems caused by misuse of our wastewater system.

However, it also shows we are quite some way still from preventing activity that disrupts sewers and continues to risk pollutants, including plastics, escaping into rivers and oceans.

As Unblocktober draws to a close for another year, Brad Jackson, Managing Director of insurance claims service specialist Catalyst Services UK, says everyone has a responsibility and an opportunity to help project the environment by caring for our drains and sewers.

Out of sight and out of mind

He said: “Taking care for drains and sewers isn’t at the forefront of people’s minds every day, with most only considering them when they experience a problem with an asset we take for granted. But we can and should take simple steps to change our behaviour to safeguard the environment.

“The Unblocktober drainage habits survey shows awareness of the problems caused by fats and other food waste, plus plastics-based hygiene products, being disposed of down drains has risen significantly in recent years.

“Also, the survey shows people have increasingly firm views on what should be done. However, it also shows there’s also a bit of a laissez-faire attitude too, with many respondents saying behaviours that are out sight, behind closed doors, can also be put out of mind.

“It reminds me of the rightful public outcry about dog mess in parks and streets. For years, people complained about the problem. Then, seemingly over night, people were popping their pet poo into bags and, in most cases, disposing of it responsibly.

“There appeared to be a tipping point of a kind we’re yet to reach with responsible use of drains and sewers, but hopefully it will come. Interestingly, the introduction of mandatory food waste collection in March 2026 may nudge us towards that tipping point.

“One of the key findings of the Unblocktober survey was a perception that there were no good alternative ways to dispose of food waste, including oils. As we become used to recycling this waste, perhaps there will be less temptation to pour it down sinks.”

More to be done on sewer misuse

The Unblocktober campaign surveyed 2,025 adults across the UK to get their views on sewer pollution and delve into their drainage habits.

Key findings included:

Backing for good practice – Nearly 1-in-3 (30%) would stop buying brands found to cause drain pollution, while 32% would prefer products from brands signed up to a drain protection pledge.

Good awareness of the impact – 70% of respondents had heard of fatbergs, which can form in sewers, and are made up of cooking fats, other food waste and items that include wet wipes, dental floss and sanitary products.

Clear understanding of the problem – 73% were very aware of what should and should not go down the toilet and sink, and 59% said they have not poured fat or oil down the sink.

Support for food waste recycling – 65% would support the government introducing more extensive household cooking oil and grease recycling schemes.

Barriers to behaviour change – An ‘out of sight, out of mind’ attitude was cited as a main barrier to change (34% of respondents) while 11% said they have no viable alternative for disposing of products.

Toughest disposal task identified – 29% of respondents said cooking oil is the hardest product to dispose of responsibly.

Teaching children to be better – 65% of respondents backed the idea of having drain health education in schools.

Find out more

See the full findings of the Unblocktober 2025 drainage habits survey.

Talk to the Catalyst team today about our services. Telephone: 0333 004 8008. Email: [email protected].