Inadequate disposal of female sanitary protection
Name(s):
Disposal of tampons into sewerage system
Improper flushing of disposable menstrual products and nappies into sewer
Nature
Disposable pads and tampons used by menstruating women (and disposable nappies) can take years to biodegrade. Many women are unaware that, in many situations, flushing their menstrual waste products into the sewerage system means sending it untreated directly to the sea, endangering marine life, polluting the beaches and spoiling coastal recreational activities, like surfing. They also clog up sewers and cause extra costs for sewage treatment plants which intercept them.
Incidence
66% of the 13.4 million menstruating women in the UK in 1993 flush their sanitary pads or tampons down the toilet. 88% of UK coastal outfalls discharge untreated or only coarsely screened sewage.
Claim
Society's inability to cope with women's menstruation has encouraged this flush and forget attitude.
Broader
Aggravates
Type
(E) Emanations of other problems