It’s something you’ve probably done hundreds of times – but according to water companies, you should never pour milk down the sink.
It’s never a good feeling when you’re making a cuppa or a bowl of cereal in the morning, you open the bottle and then the sour smell hits you, and you know you’ve got to pour the rest of the milk away. And that’s if you’re lucky. If you’re less fortunate, you don’t notice until you take your first swig of tea and wonder why it’s sour and lumpy.
But according to water firm Scottish Water, households should never pour old milk down the sink, because it causes problems for both your household drains and the environment at large.
Scottish Water explains: “Pouring milk down the sink is a big no-no. The fats and proteins in milk can solidify and stick to the walls of your pipes, leading to blockages. These blockages can cause your drains to back up, resulting in unpleasant smells and potentially expensive plumbing repairs. Moreover, when milk enters the sewage system, it can deplete oxygen levels in the water, harming aquatic life.”
Instead, Scottish Water is urging people to get rid of in the garden, either by composting it or adding it to water and pouring it on plants. Otherwise, just bin it.
The firm adds: “If you have a compost bin, you can add small amounts of old milk to it. Milk is biodegradable and can provide valuable nutrients to your compost. Just be sure to mix it well with other compost materials to avoid any unpleasant smells.
“Diluted milk can be used as a natural fertiliser for your garden. Mix one part milk with four parts water and pour it around the base of your plants. The nutrients in the milk can help your plants grow strong and healthy.
“If composting or using it in the garden isn’t an option, you can dispose of old milk with your regular household waste. Pour the milk into a sealable container, such as an old milk carton or a plastic bottle, and place it in the bin. This method prevents the milk from leaking and causing a mess.”
Scottish Water then reiterates in a warning to households: “Do not pour it down the sink: As mentioned earlier, this can cause blockages and harm the environment. Do not flush it down the toilet: This can also lead to plumbing issues and is not an environmentally friendly option.
“By following these simple tips, you can dispose of old milk in a way that’s safe for your home and the environment. At Scottish Water, we’re committed to protecting our waterways and ensuring that you have the information you need to make responsible choices. Remember, every little bit helps when it comes to protecting nature.”