Period Product Disposal: Best Practices and Solutions for UK Workplaces

Best practices for the hygienic disposal of sanitary pads

Here are some tips for helping facility users dispose of sanitary products in a safe, hygienic, and sustainable manner.

1. Partner with a waste collection service 

Providing sanitary bins is only one side of staying compliant with waste regulations. Businesses also need to make sure that these bins are emptied and cleaned regularly. One of the most effective ways to do so is to partner with a sanitary bin maintenance provider. 

At phs, we offer a complete sanitary bin liner exchange service, which includes recycling sanitary products wherever possible. We will empty full bins, clean them fully, and add a new liner. 

As part of our LifeCycle Strategy, our licensed waste collection team will then divert sanitary waste away from landfill, sending it to Energy from Waste facilities so it can be transformed into renewable energy.

This service not only keeps your workplace washrooms clean but also supports an eco-friendly approach by reducing the amount of waste you send to landfill sites. As a bonus, this also lowers the amount of landfill tax you will owe.

2. Consider automatic sanitary bins

To further reduce any risk of cross-contamination, consider using sanitary bins with automatic, no-touch operation. Models such as the Eclipse Discreet Auto Sanitary Disposal Bin simply require the user to wave their hand above the lid and place their waste inside before the lid closes automatically.

3. Ensure there are enough bins for facility users

If you find that your washroom’s sanitary bins are becoming full frequently, it’s a sign you need to provide additional disposal options. Overflowing bins pose hygiene risks and create an unpleasant environment. 

It can be helpful to set up some form of tracking document to get a clear understanding of the volume of sanitary waste being disposed of at work and how often your bins need emptying.

4. Provide adequate hand washing facilities

All washrooms should have sinks for handwashing. Topped-up soap dispensers and hand sanitiser units can help ensure bathroom users can clean their hands properly, particularly after disposing of sanitary pads and tampons.

Hand dryers are another way to promote proper hygiene in the workplace, reducing the spread of bacteria, which can thrive in damp environments.

5. Offer period products and sanitary bags

At phs, we’re determined to reduce period inequality. We encourage workplaces to provide free period products to ensure that nobody is ever caught in an uncomfortable position. 

Providing sanitary bags can also help bathroom users dispose of their products as neatly as possible, reducing any potential mess or odours. 

6. Display helpful reminders

Not everyone who visits your facility will be aware of the best ways to dispose of period products. Placing notices on the back of bathroom cubicle doors can act as a polite reminder to:

• Avoid flushing sanitary products down the toilet
• Use the sanitary disposal bins provided
• Access free period products and sanitary waste bags
• Wash hands after disposing of period products

We have some resources you can download, including ‘Don’t flush sanitary products’ posters and ‘Period equality in the workplace’ posters.