Used Tampon. Now What?

Tampons are sanitary products designed for menstruating people, the purpose of which is to absorb large amounts of menstrual fluid. They protect for a few hours, but after a maximum of 8 hours ( read more about this here ), you have to replace the tampon with a new one.

So where do you throw away that used tampon? That's a pretty important question considering the fact that the average menstruating person uses over 15,000 tampons in their lifetime!

What is a tampon made of?

To find out where to throw away a used tampon, it's best to start with the basics and discuss the composition of the tampon ... which is not that easy - because while regulations require cosmetics to have their ingredients listed, manufacturers of hygiene products are not required to disclose the infamous list of ingredients used in the production of pads or tampons.

If that were the case, you could find on the packaging, for example, dioxins found in artificially bleached silk , pesticides or chlorine . And that, contrary to appearances, would be great, because everyone would have the chance to consciously make a better choice, which Your KAYA products certainly are - forgive me for bragging, but our ingredients speak for themselves!

When it comes totampons, you will only find safe ones here , made of 100% organic cotton , without toxins , dyes and synthetic additives . They also differ from traditional tampons in that you will not find an artificial coating on them - they are exclusively organic cotton with the GOTS certificate .

Do you know where to throw away used tampons? Read here.

Used tampon – can you flush it down the toilet?

Unfortunately, flushing a tampon down the toilet is not a good idea . Why?

As the portal nanowosmieci.pl writes , the sewage connection has a diameter of 15 to 20 cm , so any larger item, such as a sanitary pad, diaper, cotton pads or tampon, can get caught on something in the pipe and block the flow .

And even if they don’t, flushed tampons end up in the environment. Trash in the oceans harms wildlife and contributes to global warming. Remember: regular tampons are not biodegradable . Used tampons contain menstrual fluids – so they have to go in the mixed waste bin .

Can you flush a tampon with good ingredients down the toilet?

Unfortunately no – even a tampon with good ingredients should not be flushed down the toilet .

Used tampon – where to throw it?

Used pads, liners and tampons (due to the fact that they contain blood and secretions) must be disposed of in the mixed waste bin.

Wraps from other manufacturers are usually plastic and should be thrown into the plastic bin.

Your KAYA individual tampon wraps are perfect for composting or putting in your bio-waste bin, as they are made from fully biodegradable and compostable NatureFlex™ material .

You should of course throw away the product cartons and the paper tampon applicator in the paper bin.

How to dispose of a used tampon?

It's best to wrap it in a small piece of toilet paper. This way, you won't get blood on your skin, but you'll also spare your family members a shocking sight (some, including children, may be scared by the sight of blood). Of course, this doesn't mean that a used tampon is something to be ashamed of, quite the opposite!

However, wrapping it discreetly in paper is a way of showing respect for the household and other people using the bathroom. Besides, the last thing you want to see is bloodstains in your home because someone (a child or a pet) found a used tampon to be an especially interesting toy. However, if you have a bathroom to yourself, it is entirely your business what is in your bin, and you do not have to camouflage anything.

Place the wrapped tampon in a mixed waste bin . Remember to throw away the trash regularly during your period - bacteria multiply on used sanitary products, so an unpleasant smell may appear.

Do you know how to properly remove a tampon ? Find out in this article! Used tampon – what to do with it when you are not in your bathroom?

Just like in your bathroom, when you’re away from home, place the used tampon in your mixed waste bin.

If you are at someone else's house and need to throw away a tampon, proceed as you would at your own home: wrap the tampon in toilet paper or - if you have planned this exchange in advance - secure the tampon in a previously prepared plastic bag and take the tampon with you. However, it seems to me that there is absolutely no need for this - menstruation is a physiological matter, completely normal. No one should be shocked by the sight of a used tampon, especially if it is discreetly wrapped in toilet paper. Do it in a way that makes you feel as comfortable as possible. You do not have to add to your stress.

Remember: don't keep used tampons in your pocket, even if they're wrapped in toilet paper. You risk ruining your clothes. What's more, you might accidentally forget about that bloody surprise, which will probably remind you of itself with its smell after some time.

Also read our text on how to avoid a leaking tampon .

Containers for used hygiene products

Many public toilets have special sanitary waste containers that should be used to dispose of menstrual hygiene products. They are marked appropriately, you will definitely notice them. In addition, such containers often have a package with small plastic bags for used tampons. You can use them, but you can also wrap the used tampon in toilet paper. If there is no such container for used hygiene products in the cabin or bathroom, simply throw the tampon into the mixed waste bin.

And everything is clear!

Now you know where to throw away your used tampons. The key is to remember that what is flushed down the toilet does not go into oblivion. Be strict about toilet disposal – tampons should absolutely not be there. And if you use intimate wipes, remember that you can only throw down the toilet those that dissolve quickly in water (like ours, of course!) Everything else should go in the bin.