Guidance on feminine hygiene disposal requirements for businesses in the UK

"Sanitary waste is a controlled waste and must be disposed of under strict legislation"

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 specify that all companies are required to provide a suitable means for the disposal of sanitary dressings in ladies washrooms.

The Water Industries Act 1991 also states that no items should be flushed that could cause a blockage within a sewer or drain.

In addition, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 places a legal "duty of care" upon companies to ensure that all waste produced at their premises is correctly managed right up to the point of final disposal. This also includes a responsibility to review your contractors.

Use of Sanitary Bins

Sanitary waste should be kept in a hygienic and safe storage facility. Sanitary bins are ideal for this, being located in the ladies washroom cubicles.

All the latest sanitary bins are hands free and users are able to deposit their own waste without sight of the existing contents of the sanitary bin. The sanitary bin may also be enhanced by an active sanitiser that will avoid odours.

The sanitary bin is then typically emptied on a regular basis by an authorised waste carrier.

Examples of hands free sanitary bins