What is a fatberg?

This amazing image shows a “fatberg” that blocked a drain in Australia. Similar fatbergs have blocked drains in America and the United Kingdom. One recent headline in Bloomberg News reads “In Fatberg Fight, NYC Goes to War Against Flushable Wipes.”

Bloomberg describes how $1.1 billion is being spent to deal with this sewage problem around the world. Wet wipes are described on the packaging as “flushable.” THEY ARE NOT. These fatbergs are created by wet wipes, disinfectant and other similar towelettes being flushed down the toilet. Unlike toilet paper which does break down when in contact with water, these wet wipes often combine with cooking fat and do not dissolve but instead form huge blockages in the sewers.

In London, one such blockage was removed and is now exhibited in the Museum of London. It was estimated to be 820 feet long.

Methods to break down fatbergs are in development and lawsuits are attempting to get the word “flushable” removed from packaging. But for now, the job of drainage and water quality is much harder because of these items.

YOU can play your part in helping make our environment cleaner by NOT flushing wet wipes, diapers, make-up remover pads and anything you might suspect will not dissolve in water and instead, throw in into your garbage.