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Original poster

Tampons left over after menopause - what to do with them?

24 replies

Frangipane · 04/03/2019 12:36

Just been having a tidy up. I have come across assorted tampons, sizes and quantities below, all non applicator, all obviously still in their cellophane wrapper. I went through the menopause a few years ago, and although I have an adult dd, she isn't keen on tampons. It seems a waste to throw away. Can I take them to a food bank collection point in my local supermarket? Will they accept them loose?

Ideally, I liked to just give them to someone who wants them, preferably someone in financial need, but I don't know anyone. I'd be happy to post them out to a Mumsnetter if anyone wants to PM me their address. Any other ideas?

What I have is listed below:

17 super plus Lillets.
22 super Tesco + 2 super Lillets (ancient ones, pre rounded tips!)
12 regular Tesco

OP posts:
implantsandaDyson · 04/03/2019 12:41

You could check to see if any of your local shops are taking part in the Red Box project. I'm having difficulty sticking the website up but if you Google it you can have a nosy

MrsJayy · 04/03/2019 12:44

See if any churches or community halls might want them for their toilets or the salvation army but tbh i think they might just take full packets,

wombatthewarrior · 04/03/2019 12:46

I boxed all my leftover sanitary products up and sent them to a women's refuge in London. I also couldn't just throw them away as I had full unopened boxes and packets!

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TeaforTwoBiscuitOrThree · 04/03/2019 12:47

Refuge, shelter, homeless? Or in toilets at church halls, community center etc?

toomuchfaster · 04/03/2019 12:48

I had an opened package that I left in the loo cubicle at work, they've been used up over the last couple months.

Original poster
Frangipane · 04/03/2019 12:49

Great idea re the red box, but I can't see how to find an address to post them to. I live in the back of beyond, so there isn't going to be anything on my doorstep. Also, I rather think my stash of oddments might be rejected in favour of shiny new packets. Plus, do teenage girls use super plus tampons? Happy to be told otherwise...

OP posts:
CTRL · 04/03/2019 12:51

Put them in an old handbag or a bag of some sort and give them to the next homeless woman (living on the street) you see. I’m sure she would be so greatful Smile

cricketmum84 · 04/03/2019 12:56

Yes pop in an old handbag and next time you are in a town centre give it to a homeless woman. I'm sure they would be hugely grateful!

whingeygingy · 04/03/2019 13:02

Schools will take them period poverty appeal

Miljah · 04/03/2019 13:03

I left mine in the ladies locker room at work, with a 'help yourself'. They gradually went.

MadameGazelleIsMyHomegirl · 04/03/2019 13:04

Keep them, because you never know when your body might throw you a curveball. 18 months post menopause, I’ve just had two periods in the space of a fortnight. Cue ferreting around in the back of cupboards and drawers looking for old sanpro!

GregoryPeckingDuck · 04/03/2019 13:05

Just take them to a public restroom and leave them?

Original poster
Frangipane · 04/03/2019 13:08

This is going to sound awful, but I can't remember the last time I saw a homeless person. Several years ago in London, I guess. I really do live in the back of beyond, and in a wealthy part of the country, though there must be people in need locally as we have a food bank collection point.

I could try the local school. I really want rid of them now that I have ferretted them out.

Oh, and I have waited a few years in order to avoid that problem Madame!

OP posts:
gherkinpickle · 04/03/2019 13:13

I have a similar issue- 100s of the things!
But my question is- do they have a 'best before' date?

Original poster
Frangipane · 04/03/2019 13:35

None that I can see. I still have a couple of the boxes, and the leaflet that comes with them. What with all the warnings about TSS, I would think if they had a use by date it would be prominently displayed.

OP posts:
thesnapandfartisinfallible · 04/03/2019 14:14

I'd just leave them in public toilets and people will use them if caught short.

CluedoAddict · 04/03/2019 15:51

Could you take them to your nearest secondary school. There was an item on our local news recently. Many girls miss time off school because of period poverty.

Hedgehogblues · 04/03/2019 15:52

Lots of food banks take them

Kylieemilyj · 04/03/2019 15:57

I would say take them to a food bank place or a red box collection points? We have a few in our town. I would rather donate them to someone in need than just leave them in public toilets/gym changing rooms as others have suggested. Im not sure if i found a box of tampons in the toilets id use them, but im just paranoid...

Petitprince · 04/03/2019 16:06

If nothing else, could you pop them in a box in a public loo?

Original poster
Frangipane · 04/03/2019 17:16

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I ended up taking them to the food collection point in the supermarket. I'm not sure how they will be received, but I hope someone in need gets them.

OP posts:
Bravelurker · 04/03/2019 20:10

I too have heard that some food banks are crying out for them, especially towels.

lljkk · 04/03/2019 21:14

A help-yourself box appeared on the shelf in toilets at work. Thoughtful, I thought.

MrsJayy · 04/03/2019 22:31

They will get used Fragipane
I do a playgroup and we leave a help yourself box for the mums and it is used , sometimes you get caught short and it is hand

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