How to Dispose of Tampons: A Complete Guide

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

The Environmental Impact

Learning how to dispose of tampons and other sanitary waste protects Canada’s pristine waterways. Tampons aren’t like toilet paper. They contain cotton, rayon, and synthetic materials that can take months to break down in water systems. Flushing them can cause:

• Blocked sewage systems and environmental overflows
• Pollution in Canadian rivers, lakes, and coastal waters
• Microplastics from tampon applicators contaminating our food chain
• Higher carbon emissions from emergency clean-ups and repairs

Health and Safety Risks

Understanding how to dispose of tampons and other period products properly prevents serious health issues:

• Cross-contamination in shared washrooms
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens during cleanup
• Unpleasant odours that make facilities uncomfortable
• Bacterial growth in damp, unsealed conditions

Financial Consequences

For Canadian facility managers, not knowing how to dispose of tampons and other sanitary waste correctly can mean:

• Expensive plumbing call-outs averaging $400-1000 each
• Constant maintenance of drains and pipes
• Environmental fines from provincial authorities
• Extra staff hours spent handling complaints and repairs

Many people ask “can you dispose tampons in the toilet” when learning how to dispose of tampons properly. The answer is always no. This is the most important rule for tampon disposal.

Here’s the step-by-step guide on how to dispose of tampons:

Step 1: Remove Carefully

Pull the tampon string gently and remove slowly. Don’t tug harshly, as this can cause the string to break or create spillage.

Step 2: Wrap Securely

This is crucial for proper tampon disposal. Wrap the used tampon in toilet paper. Make sure it’s completely covered. This contains odours, fluids, and maintains hygiene standards when disposing.

Step 3: Find the Right Disposal Unit

This is key to knowing how to dispose of tampons correctly. Tampons go in a dedicated sanitary waste units, such as SaniPod™ range of touch-free and manual sanitary units, not general waste bins, and definitely not in the toilet. In public washrooms, look for sanitary disposal units specifically designed for feminine hygiene products.

Step 4: Handle the Applicator

If you’re using tampons with plastic or cardboard applicators, these also need proper disposal. Applicators should never be flushed and go in the same sanitary unit as the tampon.

Step 5: Wash Your Hands

Essential for proper hygiene after tampon disposal. Use soap and warm water, then dry hands thoroughly. If that’s not available, hand sanitiser works too.

Explore choosing the right sanitary bin for your commercial bathroom to learn more about setting up an effective sanitary hygiene strategy.

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

Install Proper Sanitary Units

Facilities that want to encourage users how to dispose of tampons and pads need sanitary units that offer:

• Touch-free operation to reduce contamination and ease of use
• Sealed design to contain odours and prevent spillage
• Regular servicing schedules to avoid overflow situations
• Clear, accessible placement in every stall

Wall-Mounted Solutions

Wall-mounted units represent the best option for tampon disposal because they stay cleaner and make floor hygiene maintenance easier for cleaners. They’re less likely to be damaged and provide a more hygienic option for users. You can find your local distributor here to bring this comfort into your workplace.

Clear Education and Signage

Simple, clear signs remind users how to dispose of tampons and pads properly. Include what should and shouldn’t go in sanitary disposal units, and emphasise that flushing tampons damages Canadian infrastructure.

Learning how to dispose of tampons properly is simple: wrap, dispose, wash. With proper facilities and education, we can all contribute to cleaner, healthier spaces across Canada.

Understanding how to dispose of tampons and sanitary waste correctly protects our environment, prevents costly maintenance issues, and creates comfortable spaces for everyone.

For facility managers, investing in SaniPod’s sanitary hygiene solutions delivers measurable returns through reduced maintenance costs, labour and improved user satisfaction. Get in touch with our team today to find the perfect solution for your facility’s tampon disposal needs.