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Milk Down the Drain? Experts Say Bin It!
30 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Milk's fat content can cause drain blockages, similar to oils and grease.
- Thames Water advises binning leftover milk or using it as compost.
- Fatbergs, masses of fat and wipes, cause costly sewer blockages.
Experts are urging households to reconsider their disposal habits for leftover milk, as pouring it down the drain can cause significant plumbing issues. Milk's inherent fat content means it contributes to pipe blockages, much like cooking oils and grease. Thames Water advises a more responsible approach: dispose of dregs in non-recyclable containers or consider using old milk as a natural fertilizer after dilution.
This guidance is particularly relevant as the festive season approaches, a time when cooking and entertaining often lead to increased drain blockages. Beyond milk, other common kitchen items like meat juices, cooking oils, yoghurt, and coffee grounds are also flagged as problematic for pipes. These everyday actions, when widespread, can culminate in the formation of enormous 'fatbergs' in sewer systems.
Recently, a staggering 100-tonne fatberg was discovered in a London sewer, a congealed mass of wet wipes, fat, oil, and grease. Such discoveries underscore the immense challenges faced by wastewater companies and the potential for severe consequences, including sewage backing up into homes and the environment, if pipes become blocked.
