People are being urged to stick with the '3 Ps' - poo, pee and paper - when flushing, as almost 24% admit to regularly flushing items down the toilet that are known to cause blockages in the wastewater network.
The Think Before You Flush campaign, operated by Clean Coasts in partnership with Uisce Éireann is in its seventh year and focuses on behavioural change and awareness raising.
The latest survey has shown that those aged under 35 are almost twice as likely to dispose of products down the toilet, compared to those aged over 35, and almost three times as likely compared to those over 55.
Everyday thousands of unsuitable items are flushed down toilets in Ireland instead of being put in the bin, which causes blockages, ultimately leading to sewer overflows and pollution in rivers, on beaches and in the sea.
Historically the flushing of wet wipes were the most common items causing blockages in the network.
Other common items being flushed down the toilet instead of being disposed of properly are hair, paper towels, toilet wipes, dental floss, cleaning wipes, tampons, baby wipes, facial wipes, cotton buds and cigarette butts.
Close to 40% of under 35s who responded, admitted to regularly flushing unsuitable items down the toilet, compared to 22% for those aged 35-54 and 14% for those aged 55+.
The disposal of wet wipes labelled as 'flushable' down the toilet was greatest amongst the younger under age profile (17%), compared to 12% for those aged 35-54 and 10% for those aged 55+.
Since 2018, the campaign has recorded a 22% reduction in people flushing wipes down the toilet. This was 18% of adults in 2018, and is now 14% in 2023. However, this has increased from 10% in 2022 to 14% in 2023.
Clean Coasts and Uisce Éireann is warning that whether labelled as 'flushable' or not, wipes should never be disposed of in toilets.
Coastal Communities Manager at Clean Coasts Sinead McCoy said: "Only the three Ps - pee, poo, and paper - should find their way into the toilet bowl. All other items must be placed in the bin.
"By following this practice, we can significantly reduce sewer blockages, minimise the risk of home and business flooding, and mitigate the environmental pollution that poses a threat to wildlife, such as fish and birds, their natural habitats and our coastlines".
Head of Asset operations at Uisce Éireann Tom Cuddy said: "The impact of removing these products from our wastewater system is immense.
"As Uisce Éireann continues its journey of upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, it is important that we continue to work together to protect and enhance our environment.
"Every individual's contribution counts, and by making conscientious choices about what we flush, we can collectively make a huge difference."
