Proper disposal of period waste isn’t merely a recommended practice; it’s essential for environmental and plumbing health.
Yet, consumer research* conducted earlier this year on behalf of Initial Washroom Hygiene revealed that many people still think it’s appropriate to flush these items down the toilet. For example, 15% thought it was okay to flush sanitary towels and 19% to flush tampons.
Interestingly, amongst younger people, the number who thought it was okay to flush period waste was even higher. 37% of those aged 18 to 24 thought sanitary pads were okay to flush, and 32% said tampons could be disposed of in the toilet. For those aged 35 to 44, these numbers fell to 18% and 22% respectively.
Regional differences were significant, too. Those believing tampons are safe to flush are highest in Winchester (27%) and Brighton and Hove (34%) compared to the other end of the spectrum in Bath (5%) and Salisbury (0%).
It is worth noting that it has been calculated that the average person who menstruates produces enough period waste over their lifetime to fill two London buses.
This lack of awareness by some of what is safe to flush (really just the 3 p’s are safe to flush away – pee, paper, and poo) highlights the need for proper education on responsible sanitary waste disposal.
As tampons, pads, and wet wipes are designed to be absorbent they do not break down easily in water. When flushed, they often end up in waterways, contributing to pollution and harming aquatic life.
Another pertinent reason to avoid flushing these items is that they can quickly accumulate in sewer systems and cause expensive blockages. Such blockages can lead to sewage overflows, which pose severe health risks and environmental hazards. Misconceptions over what is safe to flush are contributing to a staggering amount of waste, and Thames Water alone say they clear over 200 blockages a day across their region.
These eye-opening facts highlight the critical need for proper education on sanitary waste disposal.
How to Dispose of Tampons and Period Waste Properly
Use a Sanitary Waste Bin
A sanitary waste bin is the most effective way to dispose of used period products. They are designed to handle these specific types of waste hygienically and efficiently and should ideally be located in the toilet cubicle at the point of need.
Home Disposal Tips
At home, it is a good idea to have bins located in bathrooms and cloakrooms. Period waste should be wrapped in toilet tissue or bagged and placed in a regular bin for disposal with domestic black bin waste. This ensures that the items are contained and disposed of properly, preventing them from entering the sewer system or blocking your home toilet.
Sustainable Options
Many menstruators now use sustainable period products to reduce the environmental impact of period waste. Options such as reusable pads, period pants, and menstrual cups are eco-friendly, can significantly decrease the amount of waste produced, and are more cost-effective than disposable options.
Reusable Sanitary Products
Reusable pads and period pants are washable and can be used multiple times, reducing the need for disposable products. They are produced from durable materials designed to last for years, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are another excellent sustainable option. Made from medical-grade silicone, they can be reused for several years. They’re also more comfortable and convenient for many users, as they can be worn for up to 12 hours.
However, when it’s time to dispose of them, they should be treated like other menstrual waste products and not flushed. In fact our research uncovered that 20% of 18 to 24-year-olds still believe they are safe to flush, and another 12% are unsure, with those numbers dropping to 9% and 8%, respectively, amongst 35 to 44-year-olds.
Solutions to Prevent Flushing
Adequate disposal facilities are essential to prevent period products from being flushed. If you own a business, we recommend that you provide sanitary disposal bins in the toilet cubicles of all washrooms (female, male and gender neutral) so that those with continence-related issues as well as those who menstruate have a disposal option.
Initial’s wide range of sanitary bins is designed to suit different environments, combining functionality and aesthetics while offering users a safe, discreet, and hygienic experience.
Contact us today for more information on our products and services.
*About the research:
The consumer research was conducted by Mortar Research and was carried out amongst 2,074 UK adults [general pop] in March 2024.
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