IMPORTANCE OF PROPER DISPOSAL OF FEMININE HYGENE PRODUCTS

Feminine hygiene products typically receive very little attention, even in the jan/san market. The industry is still predominantly men, who might not fully understand women’s issues or realize the inherent problems that women have. This lack of understanding is why it is important for jan/san distributors to keep feminine hygiene products in mind when discussing the restroom with their clients. It’s a matter of educating the customer on the importance of feminine hygiene products, letting them know what products are available and informing customers of their benefits. When discussing feminine hygiene with their customers, distributors should stress the importance of proper disposal options, in addition to offering convenience with dispensers, tampons and pads. Even though stall receptacles have a low price point, many facility managers overlook their need, assuming women will dispose of sanitary products in the regular waste receptacle. In reality, many women flush them down the toilet, resulting in potential clogs. The distributor salesperson should help customers understand that a $20 receptacle can save hundreds or thousands of dollars in plumbing bills.
Emptying any waste receptacle has a certain level of safety concern connected to it. Coming into contact with biohazards, harmful chemicals, sharp objects or bodily fluids is always a threat for cleaners, and waste receptacles in restrooms are no exception. Although feminine-hygiene waste includes blood, cleanup of these products does not fall under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) bloodborne pathogens standard. Red-bagging is not required, however, OSHA does “expect products such as discarded sanitary napkins to be discarded into waste containers, which are lined in such a way as to prevent [cleaner] contact with the contents.” Receptacles found in the stall units typically use anti-leak plastic or wax-coated paper liners to collect waste. The wax option sits up straight in the unit, but can’t be tied up when thrown out. The plastic liners collapse and must hang over the edge of the unit, but they can be tied up for easy emptying. These plastic liners also come in biodegradable and perfume-impregnated varieties. No matter which liner is used, cleaners should always wear gloves and use caution when collecting waste from disposal units. Once out of the stall, bags should be placed in the regular waste receptacle before being thrown into the garbage.