Wet Wipe Island Removal Begins Near Hammersmith Bridge

180-tonnes of waste had been diverting the course of the Thames

The clean-up marks the first large-scale mechanical removal of wet wipes from a UK riverbed. Picture: PLA

August 11, 2025

A major environmental clean-up operation is now underway on the River Thames near Hammersmith Bridge, where a mass of congealed wet wipes—dubbed “Wet Wipe Island”—has formed over several years. The mound, which spans roughly the size of two tennis courts and reaches up to a metre in height, has altered the river’s flow and raised concerns about its impact on aquatic life and the surrounding ecosystem.

The Port of London Authority (PLA), with support from Thames Water and environmental charity Thames21, is leading the month-long excavation project to remove an estimated 180 tonnes of waste from the foreshore. The clean-up marks the first large-scale mechanical removal of wet wipes from a UK riverbed and is part of a broader effort to improve the health of the Thames.

The island’s formation near Hammersmith has long been a source of concern for local residents and environmental groups. Volunteers from Thames21 have been monitoring the site since 2017, collecting data and raising awareness about the environmental damage caused by flushing wet wipes containing plastic. Their research has helped influence government policy, including the recent legislation to ban plastic in wet wipes.

Thames21 CEO Chris Coode said, “This significant news is a testament to the power of collective action and the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, team and partners. This victory is a crucial step towards protecting the health of the River Thames and its wildlife, as it will help to stop the introduction of microplastics into the environment. However, we realise that it is not the panacea and there is more work to be done.

"Manufacturers now need to create plastic-free alternatives. Water companies must invest further in our sewage infrastructure so that it relies less on sewage overflows and install more screens to prevent wet wipes entering the environment. Consumers need to dispose of their non-plastic-based wet wipes correctly—bin it, don’t flush it!”

An aerial view of Wet Wipe Island. Picture: PLA

St Paul’s School in Barnes is supporting the clean-up by providing access to its grounds for the eight-tonne excavator, which will remove the waste during low tide. The collected material will be transported away in skips and disposed of responsibly.

Putney MP Fleur Anderson, who has campaigned for a ban on plastic in wet wipes since 2021 welcomed the start of the work. Her advocacy helped prompt a government consultation and contributed to growing public awareness of the issue.

Putney MP Fleur Anderson (centre) with volunteers near Wet Wipe Island

Grace Rawnsley, Director of Sustainability at the Port of London Authority, said, “For too long, ‘Wet Wipe Island’ in Hammersmith has been a source of environmental harm and an embarrassment to the capital. Inspired by the work of volunteers at Thames21, we decided to take a lead in co-ordinating action to remove this unsightly and harmful mess. This is the first time anyone has sought to execute a mass, mechanical removal of wet wipes in this way. We want a cleaner, healthier tidal Thames and will continue to work with all interested parties to secure that. And we will continue to bring innovation and investment to help the world’s greatest river thrive.”

The clean-up is part of the PLA’s Clean Thames Manifesto, which aims to achieve a pollution-free river with a healthy ecosystem by 2050. Thames Water has also committed to significant investment in river health, including the £4.6 billion Thames Tideway Tunnel, which is designed to reduce sewage discharges into the tidal Thames by 95%.