If there’s a single takeaway from reading this article, it’s this: never flush your sanitary pads down the toilet; always throw them in the bin!
Many countries have specific guidelines regarding sanitary pad disposal, so it’s essential to understand and follow your local regulations accordingly.
Proper disposal of pads is important for optimal hygiene, reducing environmental impact, and maintaining public health. If you’re curious about the best ways to dispose of sanitary pads, then this article is just for you.
What Are Sanitary Pads?
Before we dive into proper disposal methods, let’s start with the basics. What are sanitary pads?
Also known as menstrual pads or sanitary napkins, their main function is to absorb menstrual blood and manage menstrual flow.
Sanitary pads are typically made of layers of absorbent materials, such as cotton, wood pulp, or synthetic fibres, with adhesive sides that attach to the underwear.
Traditional pads are single-use, designed to be changed regularly throughout the day to prevent odours and maintain cleanliness. However, some brands have introduced compostable sanitary pads made of natural biodegradable materials to reduce menstruators’ carbon footprint.
Why Is It Important To Properly Dispose of Sanitary Pads?
There are several reasons why it’s important to properly dispose of sanitary pads. Consider the following:
1 - Hygiene and Cleanliness
Sanitary pads absorb menstrual blood, which can carry a lot of bacteria and allow pathogens to thrive in it.
Stagnant menstrual blood often accumulates a lot of bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which can multiply exponentially.
The red blood cells in the menstrual blood feed the bacteria and emit a smelly odour when they die. You can imagine how piles of these bacteria-infested sanitary napkins can cause a threat to the hygiene in the surrounding areas.
This is why properly disposing of used sanitary pads can prevent the spread of bacteria, infections and diseases. Remember that proper sanitary pad disposal results in protecting the health of yourself and your community.
2 - Environmental Impact
The rise of plastic sanitary pads over cloth has drastically impacted the environment, as the material is non-biodegradable. This results in piles and piles of giant heaps of used napkins accumulated in landfills for many years.
Sometimes, used sanitary pads are thrown into the toilet, flushed down, and clogged sewage systems. Even burning plastic sanitary pads causes harmful toxins to be released into the atmosphere.
These all contribute to why proper disposal of sanitary pads can significantly affect the environment.
3 - Waste Management
By properly disposing of sanitary pads, waste can be managed more effectively. For example, by wrapping them in a bag and placing them in designated waste bins, waste management systems can handle the disposal process safely and efficiently.
One small change in how we dispose of used pads can profoundly affect the environment.
How to Dispose of Sanitary Pads?
Now that we understand why it’s important to dispose of sanitary pads properly, how do we do it?
The number one rule to remember is: any sanitary product needs to be wrapped properly (in its own wrapping, newspaper or waste paper) and thrown right into the garbage bin.
3 Ways to Dispose of Sanitary Pads
1 - Wrap and Discard in Garbage Bin
After removing the used sanitary pad, wrap it securely in its original packaging or toilet paper. This keeps the pad secured tightly, containing any leakage or odours.
Place the wrapped pad in a plastic bag and secure it tightly before disposing it in your regular garbage bin.
2 - Use Disposable Bags
Disposal bags specifically designed for female hygiene products can provide an added layer of protection and also fight against strong odours. Place the used pad inside the disposal bag, seal it tightly, and dispose of it in the regular garbage bin.
3 - Sanitary Pad Disposal Bin
Did you know that there are bins designed specifically for sanitary pad disposal?
This offers a convenient, safe and effective way to dispose of used pads. Investing in one can minimize odours and maintain cleanliness effortlessly. Make sure the bin is emptied regularly for best practices.
Compostable Menstrual Pads by Aruna
Innovating sustainable menstrual pads is crucial for mitigating global climate change and ecological harm. Although we cannot stop using menstrual products entirely, we can replace them with an environmentally responsible option.
Aruna, an up-and-coming brand in sustainable menstrual products, aims to empower menstruators and reduce our carbon footprint.
These pads are made from natural and biodegradable materials, ensuring that they break down quickly without harming the environment.