A new study in the United Kingdom suggests that the lint filter in washing machines used in homes should be cleaned not under a running tap but be disposed of as dry waste in household waste. This simple step can effectively reduce microfibre release from tumble dryers and contribute to the protection of the global natural water environment.
- The study by Neil J Lant at Procter & Gamble, Newcastle Innovation Center, Newcastle upon Tyne, was published in PLOS ONE. It was funded by the Worshipful Company of Launderers and Northumbria University.
THE STUDY: To evaluate the environmental impact of condenser dryers, the researchers tested loads of new, clean garments as well as dirty laundry sourced from volunteers in Newcastle upon Tyne. They collected and analysed microfibres from several components of each type of dryer.
- The researchers found that both dryer types produced microfibre pollution, including water pollution from rinsing lint traps in the sink.
- While condenser dryers are ventless and do not exhaust microfibres into the air, the lint filter, condenser, and condensed water are all significant sources of microfibre water pollution.
- Recent studies have suggested that transitioning from vented tumble dryers to condenser dryers with no exhaust outlet could reduce airborne microfibre pollution. However, their impact on waterborne microfiber pollution is unknown.
- Future research is needed, however, to replicate the study using a larger sample size, as well as to explore strategies to sequester, dispose of, or eliminate laundry-based microfibre pollution.
SUGGESTIONS: The appliance industry, its trade associations and legislators should recognise that all types of tumble dryers can be significant contributors to the problem of environmental microfibre pollution and begin efforts to mitigate this issue through revised usage instructions and improved appliance design.
- Current plans to introduce microfibre filtration systems into washing machines are expected to reduce the environmental impact of that stage in the laundering process, suggesting that reapplication of similar approaches to tumble dryers is a logical next step.
WHAT THEY SAID:
Our recent work in collaboration with Northumbria University has recognized, for the first time, that the most important tumble dryer types used in Europe (condenser and heat pump) can also be significant contributors to aquatic microfiber pollution, especially if users wash lint filters in a sink. We do over 2 billion dryer loads in the UK each year, generating around 2,000 tonnes of microfibre. We can prevent around 90% of that from causing water pollution by cleaning lint filters into household waste, but to deal with the rest we’ll need to redesign the air filtration systems in all types of dryers.
— Neil Lant
Procter & Gamble Newcastle Innovation Centre
We have for the first time focused on microfibre release from vented and condenser dryers using real consumer laundry loads. It was found that the vast majority of microfibres released from dryers is collected in the lint filter, thereby preventing release into the environment. You realise that some manufacturers, however, then recommend regular washing of the lint filter under a running tap, which contributes directly to an increase of waterborne microfibre pollution. After considering the environmental impact of current domestic household practices, a simple remedy is proffered. Instead of washing the lint filter under the tap after use in the tumble dryer, simply clean the filter either by hand, a light brush, cloth, or vacuum cleaner, and dispose of the collected fibres, as dry waste, in household waste. This simple and effective procedure can reduce microfibre release from tumble dryers and contribute to the protection of the global natural water environment.
— John Dean
Department of Applied Sciences
Northumbria University
