Microplastic filters for washing machines

Summary

That this House notes that microplastics are increasingly prevalent in the environment and that microfibres shed from synthetic clothing during laundering are a common form of microplastic; further notes a recent study has estimated that up to 87,165 tonnes of microfibres are discharged from domestic washing machines in the UK each year, with large quantities passing through wastewater treatment works into rivers or being spread on agricultural land in sewage sludge; also notes that filters that capture microfibres before they enter wastewater are now available, either as retrofits or built into new machines; notes that while the Government has stated its support for research and engagement with stakeholders regarding microfibre release from textiles, including on the potential role of technologies such as microfibre filters, it has not yet committed to legislating on filters in washing machines; and therefore calls on the Government to work with industry to set out how it will reduce microplastic pollution from domestic washing machines reaching sensitive coastal habitats and National Landscapes such as Chichester Harbour.

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Timeline

1. 29 October 2026

   Early Day Motion

   That this House notes that microplastics are increasingly prevalent in the environment and that microfibres shed from synthetic clothing during laundering are a common form of microplastic; further notes a recent study has estimated that up to 87,165 tonnes of microfibres are discharged from domestic washing machines in the UK each year, with large quantities passing through wastewater treatment works into rivers or being spread on agricultural land in sewage sludge; also notes that filters that capture microfibres before they enter wastewater are now available, either as retrofits or built into new machines; notes that while the Government has stated its support for research and engagement with stakeholders regarding microfibre release from textiles, including on the potential role of technologies such as microfibre filters, it has not yet committed to legislating on filters in washing machines; and therefore calls on the Government to work with industry to set out how it will reduce microplastic pollution from domestic washing machines reaching sensitive coastal habitats and National Landscapes such as Chichester Harbour.

   Source: Early Day Motion

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Sponsors

• Jess Brown-Fuller · Liberal Democrat · Primary sponsor

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