Western Australia's Water Corporation is clear that tampons, pads, nappies and condoms should not be flushed, because they commonly contain plastic and other materials that don't break down naturally. Its rule is to flush only the three Ps: pee, poo and (toilet) paper.
That leaves the bin, and from there period product waste follows the rest of your household rubbish. Here's what that means in Australia, and how to send less of it away each month.
Quick answer: Once it leaves your bathroom, period product waste usually goes out with your general rubbish, and in councils such as Melton in Victoria the red-lid bin goes straight to landfill. Pads and tampons shouldn't be flushed, because they commonly contain plastic that doesn't break down naturally. Switching to a reusable period cup reduces what you throw out.
How long does it take a tampon or pad to decompose?
We couldn't find an Australian government figure for how long a tampon or pad takes to decompose, so we won't guess. What the sources do say is telling: Water Corporation notes these products commonly contain plastic and materials that don't break down naturally. Jean Hailes for Women's Health adds that pads are sometimes made from a mix of synthetic and natural materials, and tampons from cotton or cotton combined with a synthetic.
Where does period waste go after bin night?
In many places, to landfill. Melton City Council in Victoria says the contents of its general waste (red) bin go straight to landfill, and it lists nappies, pads, tampons and sanitary items as accepted as long as they're bagged. The council also calls that bin the last option for waste disposal.
Rules differ between councils, so check your own council's bin guide. Either way, the rubbish bin or a sanitary bin is the right place for a used pad or tampon, as Jean Hailes advises.
Why can't pads and tampons go down the toilet?
Because the sewer is only built for the three Ps. Water Corporation says the pipes are only designed to carry pee, poo and toilet paper, and that other items build up to cause blockages, raising the risk of pipe bursts and overflows. Combined with hardened fats, they can clump into fatbergs that force waste back up the pipes and into homes and gardens.
What are the low-waste alternatives?
Reusable products. Jean Hailes says reusable pads, period underwear, menstrual cups and menstrual discs can all be reused many times, and it describes cups as reusable and more environmentally friendly than other products.
- Period cups sit in the vagina and collect blood. The Lunette period cup is made from 100% medical-grade silicone, can be worn for up to 8 hours and lasts up to 10 years with proper care.
- Period underwear has absorbent layers of fabric and can be washed and reused; Jean Hailes recommends changing it every 12 hours.
- Reusable pads are made from washable fabric such as cotton or bamboo, with a waterproof lining.
Our guide on reducing your period waste has more everyday swaps.
Frequently asked questions
Do you throw away period underwear?
Not after each wear. Jean Hailes describes period underwear as washable and reusable, with layers of fabric that absorb your period, and recommends changing it every 12 hours. You can wear it on its own or combine it with other products, such as a period cup. Lunette Period Panties are sold in our Australian store.
Can I put a used tampon in a sanitary bin?
Yes. Jean Hailes advises putting used pads and tampons in a rubbish or sanitary bin and not flushing them. In a public toilet that's usually the sanitary bin in the cubicle; at home, Melton City Council asks residents to bag sanitary items before they go in the red-lid general waste bin.
Is a period cup better for the environment than pads?
Jean Hailes describes menstrual cups as reusable and more environmentally friendly than other products. A cup is emptied, washed and worn again rather than binned after each change, and a Lunette period cup lasts up to 10 years with proper care. Plan to empty and wash it at least every 8 hours.
How long can I wear a Lunette period cup?
Up to 8 hours at a time. When you take it out, tip the blood into the toilet, rinse the cup in cold water and wash it in warm water with Lunette Cup Wash or a mild, unscented soap. Between periods, let it air-dry and keep it in a breathable linen pouch.
Ready to put less in the red-lid bin? The Lunette period cup is made from 100% medical-grade silicone, independently tested by Danish TÆNK, and lasts up to 10 years with proper care. Check our period cup size guide to find your fit.
This information is general and isn't medical advice. Bin rules vary from council to council, so check your local council's guide before you sort your rubbish.
