Sligo champions change by flushing out bad habits

With World Toilet Day taking place today, Sligo is leading the charge to protect Ireland’s water quality. Uisce Éireann and Clean Coasts have partnered with ATU Sligo and Sligo University Hospital to promote the Think Before You Flush campaign, reminding everyone that what goes down the toilet matters.

This year, the campaign has focused on building partnerships with universities and hospitals to tackle waste disposal habits that impact water quality. In Sligo, Clean Coasts has worked closely with ATU Sligo and Sligo University Hospital to raise awareness and inspire action. From campus events to beach cleans, these collaborations are helping to create a culture of environmental responsibility.

These collaborations have come to life through beach cleans at Streedagh and marram grass planting at Strandhill, connecting students with their local environment while combating erosion and plastic pollution; awareness activities at ATU Sligo’s Clubs & Societies Fair as well as posters across campus toilets reinforcing the message of responsible waste disposal; and support from Sligo University Hospital to reduce sanitary waste being flushed down toilets.

Nuala Woods, Head of Wastewater Operations at Uisce Éireann explained: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Clean Coasts and collaborate with Sligo ATU and Sligo University Hospital to shine a light on the link between what you flush down the toilet can end up on your local beach. World Toilet Day is a timely reminder of the importance of responsible waste disposal.  At Uisce Éireann, we work every day to protect water quality and ensure our infrastructure can cope, but we need the public’s help. Simple changes in habits can make a big difference in safeguarding our rivers, lakes, and seas.”

Earlier this year, The Think Before You Flush campaign collaborated with Sligo University Hospital to educate visitors and staff at the hospital on the only three items that should ever be flushed down the toilet. Newly designed posters were hung in toilet cubicles across the hospital, letting everyone know you should only flush pee, poo and paper. All other items should go in the bin.

Patrick Cross, Think Before You Pour Campaign Officer at Clean Coasts said: “As part of our campaign activities in 2025 we have placed a special focus on universities involved in the Green Campus programme that also have university hospitals: ATU Sligo, Trinity Dublin, UCC Cork. Having collaborated with Sligo University Hospital in Spring on a campaign to reduce the amount of sanitary waste being flushed down toilets at the institution, we were delighted to be offered support by the wonderful staff at ATU Sligo. These types of collaborations are essential to keep improving waste management practices in Ireland and we are very grateful to the staff at Sligo University Hospital and ATU Sligo for endorsing the campaign.”

Beth Brown,  PhD student at Sligo ATU researching water quality and water sports, commended the efforts of Uisce Éireann and Clean Coasts in highlighting the importance of the campaign to students. “These activities have provided opportunities for students to connect with the beautiful natural environment surrounding our campus, while contributing to its protection from erosion, plastic pollution, and other human impacts.

“Whether it was tackling litter, tampons, or fatbergs, I hope our activities encouraged more mindful habits around waste disposal - prompting collective care and action to protect the health of our waters. While water pollution isn’t an individual problem, I believe our collaborative efforts to share knowledge, raise awareness, and take action have the potential to prompt a collective responsibility for environmental protection. I look forward to continuing to support Clean Coasts and Uisce Éireann in their campaign – both at ATU and across the wider community,” she added.

What can you do?

• Put a bin in your bathroom. You can also download some of our Think Before You Flush printable resources and stick them up as a reminder.
• Switch to reusable options – items like facial cloths and reusable cotton pads are great alternatives.
• If you are a teacher and would like to book a free workshop, or just want to join the campaign head to https://thinkbeforeyouflush.org/ and follow @CleanCoasts on social media.