UK households urged to ‘stop’ pouring milk down drain

Pouring it down the kitchen sink might seem like the easiest option, but it can cause serious problems for your drains and the environment.

UK households have been warned to STOP pouring milk down the drain. Scottish Water, a leading water firm rivalled by the likes of Thames, Severn Trent, Affinity and more, has issued a warning for UK households to stop.

If you’re tempted to pour your skimmed, semi-skimmed or full fat milk down the drain when it goes off, the water firm says: “We know that disposing of old milk can be a bit of a challenge. Pouring it down the kitchen sink might seem like the easiest option, but it can cause serious problems for your drains and the environment.

“The fats in milk can lead to blockages in your pipes, which can be costly to fix and harmful to our waterways. As part of our Nature Calls campaign, we’re here to provide you with some friendly and helpful tips on how to dispose of old milk safely and responsibly.”

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It adds: “Pouring milk down the sink is a big no-no. The fats and proteins in milk can solidify and stick to the walls of your pipes, leading to blockages.

“These blockages can cause your drains to back up, resulting in unpleasant smells and potentially expensive plumbing repairs. Moreover, when milk enters the sewage system, it can deplete oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life.”

The water company advises: “By following these simple tips, you can dispose of old milk in a way that’s safe for your home and the environment.

“At Scottish Water, we’re committed to protecting our waterways and ensuring that you have the information you need to make responsible choices. Remember, every little bit helps when it comes to protecting nature.”

Plumbing firm Marco add: “You may have made the mistake of pouring expired milk down the drain, believing it is a harmless liquid. However, discarding it this way can have a major environmental impact.

“In fact, some places fine businesses if they use this method of disposal.

“The explanation is that the process of breaking down milk uses a significant amount of oxygen. By the time the process is completed, less oxygen is left for the living things that rely on it. Milk in large quantities is capable of suffocating entire ecosystems.

“Things like cream, butter, cheese, and yogurt can also have the same devastating impact.”