Shocking But True graphic depicting the problems- germs, plumbing costs, offensive odors, eyesores, exposure to blood borne pathogens, needle stick injuries and plastic pollution in water environment, all associated with improper disposal of menstru…
 
 

the Problems

GERMS, viruses & blood borne pathogens

  • The #1 contaminated spot in the restroom coated from TOILET PLUMES* is the outside surfaces of the stall menstrual product waste receptacle

  • Interior surfaces have 20,000 times more microbial contamination than a public toilet seat

  • Risk of exposure to contagious viruses and blood borne pathogens (HEP B, C, and HIV) for restroom users and cleaning staff, some in a dried state up to a week

    *TOILET PLUMES: the dispersal of microscopic particles containing C diff, E coli, SARS, even Covid, as a result of flushing a toilet. The particles coat stall fixtures with potentially infectious viruses, remaining contagious when touched for days. Dr Charles Gerba, Microbiologist

PLUMBING COSTS

  • 45% of users choose to flush tampons down the toilet

  • Tampons continue to absorb and expand to about 10 times causing toilet and pipe blockages

  • Clogged toilets lead to unscheduled maintenance calls, costly repairs and time-consuming cleanups

  • 30% would rather flush their pads and tampons than come into contact with an unsanitary, often overflowing wall-mounted metal waste box*

  • When no waste disposal bin is offered in the stall, menstruators are most likely to flush pads (15%) and tampons (38%)*

    *Citron Hygiene

ODORS

  • Moistness of soiled products, inside lidded waste receptacles or garbage cans, are a perfect environment for odor-causing bacterial growth that emits a repulsive smell

NEEDLESTICKS

  • Needles and other sharps that can cut the skin, are commonly discarded into stall waste receptacles and can create a cut in the skin which allows contact between blood, or fluids See what happened at several Starbucks.

EYESORES

  • Unwrapped, discarded menstrual products in stall disposal receptacles are repulsive to view for other restroom patrons and those whose job it is to empty and clean the receptacles

POLLUTION

  • Highly absorbent and stringy material such as tampons, pads and wipes; never disperse or disintegrate in septic or sewer systems.

  • Menstrual waste prevents sewage from flowing through municipal sewer systems, causing blockages in sewer pipes, sewage pumps and leads to backups as well as raw sewage overflows into water systems.

  • Marine animals digest plastic pieces such as tampon applicators.