Ban on wet wipes containing plastic

A UK-wide ban on the sale and use of wet wipes containing plastic is being introduced. This will impact Early Years settings by spring 2027 at the latest.

This, along with a ban in Wales by December 2026, aims to reduce environmental pollution and sewer blockages. Providers must transition to plastic-free alternatives. 

• Ban Scope: The ban applies to wet wipes containing plastic, which contribute significantly to pollution and sewer issues.
• Alternative Solutions: Early years settings should switch to using plastic-free, biodegradable, or sustainable wet wipe alternatives.
• Proper Disposal: Regardless of plastic content, all wet wipes should be disposed of in a bin, never flushed down the toilet, to prevent drain blockages.
• Implementation: The ban on the sale of wet wipes containing plastic was announced in late 2025, with different UK nations implementing the ban through 2026 and early 2027. 

For further information, you can read the guidance on the Welsh Government website.