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Project Details

Project dates
01/05/2023  – 30/11/2024
Location
Toronto, ON

Simran Hansra

Project Lead

Wipes vs Pipes examines a surprising source of aquatic plastic pollution - wet wipes. We outline the "life cycle" of a plastic wet wipe, from store to sea, to determine possible steps for mitigation.

Project Description

Wipes vs. Pipes grew out of my experience as a research assistant, when I witnessed an unbelievable amount of wet wipes being collected from Toronto’s Don River (and where I learned that wipes could even be made of plastic!). Wet wipes were actually the most represented type of plastic litter found in the Don River, after plastic bags. I knew plastic wipes were being littered into aquatic environments through flushing, but I wanted to understand why and what happens to them in the environment. The goals of my project were to survey wet wipe packages in stores to assess their marketing and messaging, estimate wet wipe emissions in the Don River, and determine the degradation rates of wipes of different plastic polymers.
Wet wipe packages, I learned, often lack important information that contributes to plastic wipes’ end of life. Disposal instructions (i.e., “Do not flush) are not always available and when they are, are not clearly visible to the consumer. And almost no packages mentioned what the wipes were made of! This lack of clarity creates confusion between “flushable” and non-flushable wipes – which is how so many wet wipes end up in the Don River. From my research, I’ve learned that in the sewage system wipes will a) create fatbergs that clog the pipes, and/or b) break down into microfibers. Microfibers, due to their size, are at risk of being transported to connecting lakes and oceans.
With this data, I aim to prevent the flushing of wet wipes by raising public awareness and encouraging policy change. Plastic wet wipes are a single use plastic, and should not be treated as a substitute for toilet paper. Policy should focus on mandating clear “Do not flush” labelling on the packages of wipes, and enforcing the International Water Standard Flushability Group (IWSFG) flushability test for wipes that claim to be flushable.

What was your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge was creating and maintaining social media campaigns! I definitely underestimated their difficulty. I had never made educational content before, and had to learn the intricacies of Canva and TikTok editing. I was supported by Susan at the University of Toronto Trash Team, who provided me with editing resources and feedback on my content. She also taught me to make content calendars to plan and manage posting timelines. The biggest thing I learned was practice makes perfect, and that it is okay to learn as you go!

What was your most valuable takeaway?

The most valuable take away to me from my project is that creating change is a collaborative effort. Especially as an early career researcher, it is so important to have supports in your journey. From my supervisor, Dr. Rochman, to wastewater professionals to my funders, every perspective taught me something new and equipped me with the tools needed to see my project through.

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