Guide on How to Dispose of Sanitary Pads the Right Way

When tampons and sanitary pads end up in the wrong place, the consequences go far beyond an inconvenient blockage.

The Environmental Toll

The best way to dispose of sanitary pads protects our planet. Pads and tampons aren’t like toilet paper – they contain plastics that can take centuries to break down. Flushing them can cause:

• Blocked sewage systems and environmental overflows
• Marine pollution when waste reaches rivers and oceans
• Microplastics that seep into our food chain
• A higher carbon footprint from emergency clean-ups

Health and Hygiene Risks

Learning how to dispose of tampons and sanitary pads properly prevents serious health issues:

• Cross-contamination in shared toilets
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens during servicing
• Unpleasant odours that make facilities uncomfortable
• Trapped sanitary waste in bins with modesty trays causing exposure to blood-borne germs and bacteria

Financial Consequences

For facility managers, not knowing the best way to dispose of sanitary waste can mean:

• Expensive plumbing call-outs averaging $300-800 each
• Constant maintenance of drains and pipes
• Environmental fines from authorities
• Extra staff hours spent handling complaints and repairs

The best way to dispose of sanitary waste is simpler than you think. The golden rule: never flush them. Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to dispose of tampons and sanitary pads:

Step 1: Wrap it up

Take off the pad carefully, wrap it in toilet paper or the wrapper from your new pad, and make sure it’s secure. This helps contain odours and fluids.

Step 2: Find the right disposal unit

This is key. Sanitary waste goes in a sanitary unit, such as a Pod™ Petite touch-free or Pod™ Petite manual unit,  not the general rubbish bin … and definitely not the toilet. In public toilets, look for sanitary units designed for feminine hygiene.

Step 3: Wash your hands

Sounds obvious, but it’s essential. Soap and water are best. If that’s not available, sanitiser works too.

1. Never Flush Sanitary Waste

   This is the most important rule when learning the best way to dispose of period products. Sanitary pads and tampons are designed to absorb and expand, making them perfect for creating blockages. Even pads labelled as ‘flushable’ can cause problems in older plumbing systems. The plastic components don’t break down like toilet paper, leading to costly emergency callouts and potential sewage overflows.

2. Don’t Old-Fashioned Bins

   Old-fashioned sanitary bins with modesty trays or general rubbish bins certainly aren’t the best way to dispose of sanitary waste because they create hygiene risks, unpleasant odours and are visually unpleasant. They make other users uncomfortable and can lead to incorrect disposal when people avoid them entirely.

3. Avoid General Rubbish in Toilet Areas

   Putting sanitary waste in general rubbish bins within toilet areas creates cross-contamination risks and hygiene concerns for cleaning staff. These bins aren’t designed or fit-for-purpose to dispose of sanitary pads and tampons safely.

SaniPod’s range includes automatic motion-sensor bins, manual options and wall-mounted designs that keep washrooms cleaner and maximises space – all perfect for high-traffic areas and small washrooms.

Every SaniPod™ unit is engineered to make proper sanitary waste disposal feel effortless and hygienic. Whether you need a single unit or a facility-wide solution, we have options designed for different spaces and usage levels.

You can explore our touch-free disposal solutions to see how modern technology makes proper disposal easier for everyone.

If you’re a facility manager, your responsibility is to encourage proper disposal for sanitary waste and provide the infrastructure to make it happen. The key is making the right choice, the easy choice.

Install Sanitary Units that women choose to use

Modern sanitary units should offer:

• Touch-free operation to reduce contamination
• Sealed design to contain odours and prevent spillage
• Easy and safe servicing for trouble-free maintenance with no exposure to waste
• Clear, accessible placement in every cubicle

Wall-Mounted Solutions

Wall-mounted sanitary disposal units represent the best way to dispose of sanitary pads and tampons in public facilities because they stay more hygienic and make washroom  cleaning easier. They’re less likely to be damaged and provide a more hygienic option for users.

Clear Signage

Simple, clear signs remind users how to dispose of period products properly. Include what should and shouldn’t go in sanitary units, emphasising the environmental and hygiene benefits of correct disposal.

The right disposal method for period products is simple: wrap, dispose, wash. With proper facilities and a bit of awareness, we can all contribute to cleaner, healthier washroom spaces for everyone.

If you’re ready to upgrade your old sanitary waste disposal unit and reduce maintenance headaches, talk to our team today. We’ll help you find the perfect solution for your facility’s needs and ensure your users always know how to dispose of sanitary waste correctly and hygienically.