So, you’re wondering, can you flush tampons? It’s a common question, based on the huge amount of searches on Google about this topic. Let’s clear this up—the short answer is “no”, even “absolutely not”. Flushing tampons can create plumbing issues and harm the environment. As a plumber, we see this issue WAY too often, so we felt like this issue needs to be addressed.
Why You Shouldn’t Flush Tampons: Plumbing Problems and Environmental Impact
Tampons absorb a lot of fluid, expanding significantly when wet. A single tampon can absorb 3-15 milliliters of fluid. Unlike toilet paper, tampons maintain their structure in water.
This can easily clog pipes in your home or the city’s sewer system. This also contributes to negative environmental impacts from overflowing waste that causes harm to humans and the environment, requiring extensive repair costs.
The Environmental Impact of Flushing Tampons
Around 2.5 million tampons are flushed daily. They don’t break down easily, impacting wildlife and polluting waterways. Many tampons contain plastic, worsening plastic pollution and negatively impacting feminine hygiene. This waste ends up as a combination of sanitary products and menstrual pads creating even bigger issues down the line.
Tampons and the Sewer System: A Costly Problem
Flushing tampons adds to the millions spent yearly on sewer maintenance. New York City alone spends about $19 million annually clearing sewer clogs, often leading to sewage spills. These spills cause additional costs for homeowners and companies, demonstrating how period poverty has major real-world impacts and even affecting treatment facilities for other community needs.
- In the US, around 34 million people use menstrual products, with 70% using tampons. Widespread access to hygiene products, public education on the topic, and adequate hygiene services in public spaces would greatly alleviate this.
Alternatives to Flushing: What to Do With Used Tampons
Always dispose of used tampons in a trash receptacle or designated sanitary disposal unit. If these are unavailable, wrap the tampon in toilet paper and dispose of it discreetly. Never flush tampons or other non-flushable menstrual hygiene products. It’s important to prioritize environmentally responsible practices by choosing appropriate disposal methods and minimizing waste.
Proper Tampon Disposal: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Wrap the used tampon in toilet paper or a disposal bag.
- Place the wrapped tampon in a trash can.
- Use a designated sanitary disposal unit if available. These units are designed for period products, controlling odor and offering more discretion.
What Not to Flush Besides Tampons
Besides tampons and pads, several household sanitary items shouldn’t be flushed. These include “flushable” wipes, paper towels, dental floss, and cotton balls/swabs. They wreak havoc on sewer pipes. Even though items may be marketed as flushable, the logic applies to things that won’t disintegrate or may get caught.
| Item | Reason |
| “Flushable” wipes | These don’t disintegrate like toilet paper, causing clogs in plumbing pipes. |
| Paper towels | Too absorbent and durable, leading to blockages. |
| Dental floss | Can tangle and create larger blockages. |
| Cotton balls/swabs | Clump together and obstruct pipes. |
| Panty Liner | Do not break down, therefore causing clogs |
These items contribute to significant costs for individuals, property owners, cities, plumbers, and taxpayers. Avoiding flushing them can prevent these expenses and issues.
Conclusion
Can you flush tampons? Absolutely not. It harms plumbing, the environment, and your wallet. Proper tampon disposal is simple and prevents costly repairs, environmental damage, and unnecessary tax burdens. Let’s prioritize sanitary practices and responsible waste management for healthier homes and communities.
