To worry about a bin!

[Ghoulwiththedeviltattoo]

Or lack of one? This probably sounds so silly but i started a new job this week. Its in a small office with two men and an older lady. I only work 5hrs a day so this really shouldnt bother me but ive realised there is no where to dispose of sanitary items in toilet. Do companies have to supply bins or am i just going to have to take them home in my bag?

[Lilaclily]

I'd take your own sanitary bags and put them in an outside bin

[SnookieSnooks]

I'm pretty sure your company is breaking the law by not providing a bin for sanitary towels. Bit embarrassing to ask. Think you should, though. It's pretty yuck to have to carry them around in your handbag.

[VivienneWestwoodsKnickers]

What law would be broken?

[VivienneWestwoodsKnickers]

Disregard my last - yes, somewhere appropriate should be provided for disposal of "sanitary napkins" eye roll

Workplace regulations require it, but surely if there's a discreet bin in there, that would suffice? It certainly does in my own home.

[Ghoulwiththedeviltattoo]

Theres no bin at all thats why i noticed.

[123rd]

Is there somewhere for you to make coffee/ tea? Where do people put food waste? I would bring some dog poo bags and discreetly put them in the main bin

[Changebagsandgladrags]

www.libertyhygiene.com/washroom-legal-requirements/

[Cakescakescakes]

I had this in a previous workplace. I was the first female member of staff who was young enough to require them. I broached it with the administrator (who was an older woman) and she just ordered one of this companies to come and supply one and left the purchase order for the boss to sign. He was too embarrassed I think to comment on it! But that was a full time job. In your boat I'd maybe just bring some nappy bags and dispose of them myself.

[baconandeggies]

cough Mooncup #shuffles off

[Laiste]

Sorry, but what's all this 'hide it in your handbag' crap?

If you take a moment to read these points below from the link it becomes clear there should be proper facilities for people to dispose of insanitary waste! And not just 'wimin with period pads'. No one should be slipping sanitary waste into their handbags or the office bin FGS!

Just calmly let your manager know there's no sanitary bin in the loos and that there should be.

From the link about legal obligations:

Your Legal Obligations - What do you need to do?
If your company has any female employees, or if women from other companies visit your premises, in many cases you can break employment law, environmental law or health and safety law without even knowing it.

You may be breaking the law if you don’t provide a sanitary waste disposal bin. The ‘Duty of Care’ Act demands that sanitary waste is managed to the point of disposal. Waste must be carried by a licensed carrier and a full audit trail of documentation must be available at all times. Failure to comply can lead to a large fine or a term of imprisonment.

This applies to all commercial premises, even if only one female is employed.

This regulation is further endorsed by the Water Industries Act 1991, which states that no items should be flushed that could cause a blockage within the sewer or drain.

[Laiste]

I wasn't aiming the handbag crap comment directly at anyone by the way. I know no one's actually suggested it. This has just really annoyed me! :)

[Ghoulwiththedeviltattoo]

I cant use mooncups they just seem to bloody leak i suffer with flooding i the first couple of days (wear a pad and tampon and still leak) which is what made me think about it.

[topcat2014]

The contracts for these tend to run for 7 years, (PHS etc) - so I can see why micro employers might be reluctant.

Of course there should be some kind of provision - for staff and visitors.