In August 2025, the River Thames became the proving ground for a world-first environmental intervention: the large-scale mechanical removal of sewage-derived wet wipes embedded in the foreshore. This project was motivated by the urgent need to address long-accumulated, high density plastic pollution harming habitats, sediments systems and water quality. The Wet Wipe Island clean-up, led by the Port, removed 114 tonnes of contaminated material, including an estimated five million wipes, setting a new global benchmark for urban waterway restoration.
Although the pollution originated outside port operations, the Port showed clear vision and leadership by stepping in beyond its remit, committing funding, technical expertise and working with partners to deliver a solution at scale. The objective was to remove a major legacy pollution source while developing an innovative and replicable methodology for global application.
A 250-metre stretch of foreshore had accumulated wet wipe deposits over many years, equivalent to 15 double-decker buses. Using an innovative, research-led “rake and shake” methodology, carefully designed and timed around tidal conditions, the project successfully removed the contamination at scale. The outcome was immediate and measurable: elimination of a major microplastic source, restoration of natural sediment dynamics, and enabling ecological recovery.
Collaboration was central to success. Thames21’s seven years of citizen science delivery, while academic partners and community stakeholders contributed research, monitoring and public engagement, demonstrating strong multi-stakeholder cooperation. Aligned with SDGs 6, 11, 14 and 17, the project improved water quality, reduced plastic pollution, restored urban habitats and fostered partnerships.
Crucially, this is not a one-off success. The approach is scalable, transferable, and evidence based. Many ports worldwide face comparable legacy pollution challenges. This project provides a practical blueprint, combining scientific data, community insight, and low-impact engineering, that can be adapted globally to deliver measurable environmental improvements and accelerate system change.