To flush tampons down the toilet?

[CluedoCat]

Until very recently, I thought most women did this, and I didn't see it as much different to throwing a wad of loo roll down there. I know the box says you shouldn't, but I thought this way something said but never adhered to. However, I have recently learned it's really bad for the sweage system to do this, and the advice is to put used tampons in the bin?

The thought of putting bloodied tampons in the bin and keeping them in the house is gross to me - I'd rather just thrush it away and that's that. One of the many reasons I don't use towels is because the thought of them festering is disgusting to me.

AIBU to continue doing this, and am I apparently the only woman who does? I've never blocked the toilet or experienced any issues.

Jesus, it's nothing to do with a man knowing better. It's a comment to those that say it's not common knowledge that even those who don't ever have to use tampons know that they shouldn't be flushed.

So what else do you think "it's just one of those things thats written on the box but nobody adheres to" ?

No way! I had no idea you couldn't flush them!! Jesus mind blown

Tbh those who dont have to use tampons are going to be much less aware of the inconvenience of disposing if them.

Putting them in the bin feels like its obvious to everyone im on my period. There is still stigma attached to periods. I try and dig down the side of the bin bag so theyre not on top. Wrap them up and hope the blood doesnt seep through. Hope to god the foxes dont rip open the bin bags overnight.

Its clearly obvious why women would rather flush them away. We just mostly know we shouldnt. I dont give a fuck that "even your husband knows"

I just love that I'm getting castigated for putting them in a nappy sack before I put them in the bin. I don't have a liner in my bin and since it's only now and again that I use a tampon I don't see why anyone would have a go at me?

I don't find tampons very comfortable and only wear them when I have to - I have to wear pads most of the time, usually doubled and use tampons in addition when my flow is at its heaviest.

And the other thing is that I'm fed up to the back teeth with "why don't you use a mooncup" ad nauseam. I can't. They feel like they're stabbing me and they fill too quickly and I can feel them (even more than tampons) and I have tried them.

In some countries even the toilet paper goes in the bin because flushing paper blocks the drains.

Just empty the bin daily.

I’ll sleep easier now that someone’s husband has given their opinion.

And this is what's wrong with the world. Not that someone didn't know but that once people do they continue to do it because it doesn't directly impact them.

When did we become a world of such selfish I'm alright jack assholes?

I find i need a huge amount of toilet paper to wrap them in to stop the seepage. Yuck

For the people who empty their main bin everyday, how often does your general waste get collected?

The kitchen bin gets emptied about once a week, if it was full and emptied everyday for 2 weeks our general waste bin would be overflowing!

I empty the bathroom bin every day when I'm on my period. My main black bin is emptied every other week.

This this thread is unbelievable. Someone mentions their husband knew tampons couldn't be flushed and all sorts of ridiculous comments about 'a man has spoken'. I suppose if hadn't known he would have been a stupid man.

SnuggyBuggy I agree. I'm going to switch to biodegradable nappy sacks after I've used the ones I've got.

Calling people stupid doesn't help.

I had sex education in primary school and I never remember being told not to flush tampons. My mum flushed hers, there was never a bin in the bathroom, there was a toilet, shower, sink, bath and bathmat. So as a teenager it never crossed my mind you weren't meant to flush them- I assumed it was exactly like toilet roll - you put it down the toilet. I didn't see another option, because like I said, there was no bin. I literally thought the bins in public were for towels only, and I don't remember any signs being around in the 1990s, but I could be completely wrong there.

I wish I could use a mooncup as it's so much cheaper and cuts out all of this rubbish. I literally can't get it in - I struggle with tampons too. I've wondered if period pants are a good way forward, as I use black pants for the last half of my period anyway. But a mooncup would be a one off payment and I love the fact that then you don't buy or waste anything else. It would solve a lot of problems. I have tried and tried with that, but I can't manage it.

I have a Jospeh Joseph bin with two separate bits in. When I get my period I pop a little bio liner in to one of the bits and empty it every day.

@skybluee since I started using reusable organic pads I've not had ANY cramps. And I used to get them bad.

Lots of people defending OP, saying "oh she didn't know, blah di blah" but OP says she DID know, and chose to ignore it.

People who willingly and knowingly continue to fuck up the planet just because they'd rather not put a tampon in the bin are selfish, irresponsible idiots.

Thanks dog, I've been looking into other options mainly because of the expense and waste of tampons. One of my friends has switched to the pads you mention and has nothing bad to say about them.

Get a mooncup.Problem solved.

In some countries even the toilet paper goes in the bin because flushing paper blocks the drains

Yes. Those "eww it's gross" posters would implode if they went to a Greek island.

I am one of many who used to flush at home based on what boxes used to say. Stupid thing is that I didn't when a teenager as my mum told me we had dodgy drains so couldn't at home but was ok in other places! I too learnt it in Mumsnet.

For those worrying about plastic bags, can I suggest Tesco biodegradable nappy bags? Really cheap relative to any deliberately designed for towels or tampons. They are obviously nappy sized so I tend to use same bag and just keep adding toilet roll wrapped tampons and lightly tying the top then about twice every period I take to outside bin and start new bag.

NutElla5x I can't use a mooncup.

I've tried. I can't use them. I have to use Tampax Pearl or pads. And double up pads. that's what stops me with reusable pads.

But I cannot use a mooncup.

Mooncups are great and i used them for years and years, but for some reason they are no longer comfortable

Is, I have the same issue. I don't know what the answer is. A mooncup would be my preferred form of sanitary protection.

Same here and I actually had NO idea that you were not supposed to flush them till I read this thread
Pre mooncup I couldn't tell you the last time I'd read a Tampon box! I'd decant them in the bathroom to a little jar and dispose of the box!!