Sewer systems across Spain are routinely clogged by wet wipes that do not disintegrate like toilet paper, forming massive blockages known as fatbergs. This has resulted in €230 million annually in public clean-up costs and rising microplastic pollution in rivers and oceans.
Spain’s proposed law, expected to be passed later this year, will ban flushing of all synthetic and natural fibre wipes. Additionally, manufacturers will be legally required to fund cleanup operations and clearly label products as “non-flushable”.
Spain is among the first countries to link Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) directly to the hygiene sector. Experts say this move could trigger similar action across the EU and globally, reshaping consumer disposal behaviour and manufacturing accountability.
