On some tampon inserts you'll probably see that it says it is in fact safe to flush used tampons but for homeowners and public washrooms, this is clearly not the case.
Tampons don't break up in water. They're made of cotton, rayon, and other fibers and these materials aren't going to disintegrate in water like toilet paper. Toilet paper is safe to flush because it easily breaks up in water and won't clog your toilet.
Can I flush my tampon if I have a septic tank?
Okay, I'm no expert at plumbing but I did my own little research for this question and the answer is no.
Tampons don't biodegrade in septic tanks. They just accumulate at the bottom and can attribute to septic tank problems... which of course can be very expensive to fix.
I don't have a septic tank. I've flushed my tampon before and it went down okay. So it's fine right?
If you're going to flush a tampon, chances are, it will go through a properly functioning sewage system.
But there is a good chance that in the course of traveling through the pipes, your tampons can get caught or lodged in the pipes before they ever reach the sewer.Then your toilet will get backed up and you'll have to call a plumber. This can be a very very expensive fix.
You will then find out that you basically just paid your plumber to tell you to don't flush your tampons... so I will tell you for free: Don't flush your tampons!
Okay... so what should I do instead?
Properly dispose of the applicator and used tampon in the trash bin or feminine hygiene disposal bin in your stall.
If you can't fit your used tampon back inside the wrapper, wrap it up in toilet paper first. If you're in a public washroom, please remember that someone else is cleaning up after you. Be respectful and dispose of your used tampons properly.
If you're looking for tampons with resealable wrappers for disposal, try the Tampax Radiant tampons.
TL;DR: No, you shouldn't flush tampons.
Personally, I don't flush tampons and never have. It's pretty easy to just wrap it up and throw it away with my applicator. Do you flush your tampons?
Just to add...
ReplyDeleteAs you say tampons are made from cotton, rayon and other fibres so do not break-down in the toilet as toilet paper does, in fact they expand. This means not only do you risk blocking your own toilet and pipes, but also pipes further up the system - this costs water authorities BILLIONS per year to fix, money they could be better spent elsewhere - plus sone poor soul has the job of going down into the sewers to unclog those used tampons (yuck).
Tapons may not block any pipes, instead making it through to the sewage treatment plants...great, only even modern processing plants cannot always catch all this debris, as such tampons can find their way into waterways and in turn washed up on beaches (double yuck)
Tampon copnies say their tampons are flushable to seem more convenient - they are self-regulated so make their own rules, in this case the industry standard is that to be considered flushable the tampon must pass the Brunelle Flushability test. This test is done within a laboratory with a brand new modern toilet, if the tampon passes the u bend it can be called 'flushable'...even if it won't flush in all toilets, all systems, or the huge amount of damage it can do urther up the system or to the environment.
Womens Environmental Network has a good briefing on this - http://www.wen.org.uk/general/seeing-red-sanitary-protection-and-the-environment
Amazing!! Thank you for the informative post. I'll have to update my post with your info! Thank you so much for your expertise! I learned so much that I didn't know.
Deletecan you do a review on the new ubykotex pads?
ReplyDeleteHmm which ones?I have some U By Kotex reviews up here: U By Kotex Reviews
DeleteThis is honestly the first I've ever heard that it is unsafe to flush tampons in non-septic tank systems. Interesting, especially since I have a plumber in the family. This makes is even more awkward too, seeing as we don't have any waste baskets (or room for any) in our bathroom and the nearest one is on the other side of the house.
ReplyDeleteYou have a plumber in the family? You must have the best plumbing system in your house ;)!
DeleteDo you walk to the other side of the house to throw away your tampon wrappers too?
Yes, the wrappers go in the waste basket. Unfortunately, my tampons get too saturated to do much traveling. Wrappers, on the other hand, are dry and easily crumpled up.
DeleteI too have heard that first time, but I can understand why they don't allow it.
DeleteSince it is unsafe to Flush your Tampon. Knowing that it could cause problems to your septic tank and toilet. What is the safest way to dispose of a used Tampon?
ReplyDeleteI think just to throw it in a bin trust me I am no expert, i often put mine in the toilet and nothing happens but just to be sure I will start putting it in the bin thanks
ReplyDeleteNever ever flush a tampon, they not only lead to costly plumbing bills, but they pollute our oceans! Here is a great articles that puts into perspective as to why we shouldn't flush.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.scensiblesbags.com/to-flush-or-not-to-flush-that-is-the-question/
I always keep newspaper under the sink in the bathroom to wrap used hygiene products in. Saves on toilet paper and it it less likely to leak thru.
ReplyDeleteI save envelopes from junk mail and use them to wrap used feminine products. I always keep a stack of envelopes next to the pads/tampons inside the bathroom cabinet.
ReplyDelete