London's 'Wet Wipe Island' in Hammersmith to be mass-cleaned

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has commenced a significant cleanup of "Wet Wipe Island," which consists of approximately 180 tonnes of wet wipes along a 820ft stretch of the River Thames. This operation near Hammersmith Bridge utilizes an eight-tonne excavator, with access provided by St Paul's School. The PLA aims to improve local aquatic ecology and river health, as the wet wipes have altered the river's flow and posed threats to wildlife. Grace Rawnsley from the PLA noted this project represents a pioneering mechanical effort to remove wet wipes. Thames Water's recent £1.

8 billion investment further supports initiatives to enhance river health, alongside the previously established £4. 6 billion Thames Tideway Tunnel project. Chris Coode from Thames21 praised the cleanup as a vital step in protecting the river and reducing microplastic pollution. The operation is expected to take up to a month, marking a significant commitment to environmental restoration. Efforts to ban plastics in wet wipes have been advocated by Thames21 to promote systemic changes in waste management.