Pop it in. Wait for 6 hours. Pull it Out. Flush. Repeat.
If this is your course of action while using a tampon, we need to talk! We know that this period aid can keep you comfy during that time of the month. But we’ve got to warn you against flushing your used tampons down the drain.
Now, we understand that you have your reasons. Perhaps, you were taught to dispose of them this way. Perhaps, it’s what you think is the best way to keep period stench from spreading in your washroom. Or maybe, it’s just a convenient, hassle-free way to get rid of them. But just because it’s the easiest option doesn’t mean it’s the best. Why else do you think public bathrooms have signs telling you not to flush any feminine hygiene products in their toilets? We’re here to break it down for you. Here’s all you need to know about disposing of your tampons:
Why Should You Refrain From Flushing Tampons?
Are you team flush ‘em down because you think dogs could make an unfortunate scavenging expedition on your disposed sanitary waste? Well, your concern is valid. However, flushing your tampons is a greater evil. Here’s why:
They Spell Doom For The Drainage System
Tampons are made with absorbent material. When flushed, they can absorb water, swell up and clog the plumbing system. According to a 2018 study, this can lead to a backflow of dirty water from the sewers and spread diseases and germs.
They Cause Massive Pollution Issues
Wastewater is drained into rivers and the sea. So, the flushed tampons can easily pass along and pollute the water bodies. Even if you use a biodegradable tampon, it cannot be broken down easily in the sewage treatment system as tissue paper does. According to recent research by Mariana Lopez, this careless disposal of sanitary waste can lead to a massive disaster from excessive pollution in our country.
They Burden The Economy
As per data shared by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, billions of dollars are spent on maintenance owing to improper disposal of sanitary waste in the UK alone. FYI, these are expenses that are ultimately borne by ctizens in the form of taxes. So, think twice before flushing your tampon, fam!
What To Do Instead
Have these reasons left you wondering about how to dispose of your tampons without harming the environment? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are 3 environment-friendly options for you:
Toss Them In The Bin
Biodegradable tampons can naturally be broken down by the ecosystem. Instead of flushing your tampons, just wrap them with toilet paper and drop them in the bin. But to make sure that this effort counts, use biodegradable tampons like Sirona’s Premium Applicator Tampons. Made with FDA-approved biodegradable material, they can be broken down easily. The best part? They’re super absorbent, skin-friendly, and can keep you comfy too.
Dispose Discreetly
If you’re worried about your tampons stinking or don’t have access to a bin, you can carry Sirona’s Sanitary Disposal Bags while on the go. They’re odour-concealing, tamper-proof, and biodegradable. A perfect disposal aid, we say.
Switch To A Sustainable Period Aid
Ditch your disposable period aids for Sirona’s Menstrual Cup. It is reusable and can be cleaned easily and inserted back in. In fact, it can provide leak proof protection for 8 hours straight and minimise waste creation too. Take this period survey to know more about them.
Folks, we’ve got to leave a healthy ecosystem for our future generations. Hence, we urge you to not be careless when it comes to disposing of your sanitary waste.
Featured Image: Pexels
