Stuffed toys, fax machines and a BIKE: Scottish Water reveals bizarre items found in sewer systems

A Winnie the Pooh toy, jeans and even a fax machine are just three of the bizarre items found in Scotland’s sewers last year.

Officials revealed the oddest items found in its sewer network, which also included a bike, a goldfish and a snake.

Scottish Water said it dealt with 40,000 blockages to its drains and sewer network.

It wants to make homeowners aware of the irresponsible disposal of items which creates costs of more than £7m each year.

The firm added that cooking fat, grease and oil, along with items like cotton buds, nappies and baby wipes can create a ‘perfect storm of solidified fat and material that cannot break down easily in large clumps beneath Scotland's streets’.

Scottish Water launched a campaign to reduce inappropriate sewer waste by listing the more bizarre items found in its system.

Mobiles phones, false teeth, pants and toy action figures topped the list of small items.

But bulkier goods including a pink ladies bicycle, a fax machine (found together) and a Winnie the Pooh toy in East Kilbride were also discovered.

Chris Wallace, of Scottish Water, said: 'The waste water drain which runs from your house to the public sewer is usually only about four inches wide, which is less than the diameter of a DVD.

'This drain is designed to take only the used water from sinks, showers and baths and pee, poo and toilet paper from the toilet.'

As well as warning homeowners about disposing of items properly, Scottish Water’s upcoming campaign will also highlight simple water saving tips such as turning off taps while brushing teeth.