The proper way to dispose of a sanitary pad is to wrap it in tissue, newspaper, or a disposal bag, and place it in a covered waste bin. If possible, the waste should be incinerated. Pads should never be flushed down the toilet or thrown into open spaces, as this can cause blockages, spread infections, and harm the environment.
Menstrual hygiene doesn’t end with using a clean pad, it includes knowing how to handle disposal safely and respectfully.
In this article, we’ll walk through the best disposal methods, common mistakes to avoid, and how education and access can make a huge difference, especially for young girls across Nigeria.
The Sanitary Waste Problem No One Talks About
A girl may use around 10 to 20 pads during each menstrual cycle. Multiply that by millions of menstruators across the country, and you’ll get a clearer picture of just how much sanitary waste we’re dealing with monthly.
But the challenge isn’t just the volume but the lack of infrastructure and awareness around how to properly manage it. In many rural and urban communities alike, there are no sanitary bins, no incinerators, and no education on what to do with used pads. Girls are often left to guess or imitate what others do, which usually means wrapping them in black nylon and tossing them into the nearest bush, gutter, or pit latrine.
This doesn’t just affect the environment. It also reinforces the culture of secrecy and shame around menstruation. When girls are told to “just throw it away,” without being taught how, they are robbed of the agency to manage their periods safely and hygienically.
Why Improper Disposal is Harmful
Improper sanitary pad disposal poses a triple threat: to health and the environment.
Health Risks
Used pads contain menstrual blood and bodily fluids, which, if exposed in open spaces, can attract flies and bacteria. Children playing around waste dumps or gutters are at risk of coming in contact with these contaminated materials, which can lead to infections.
Environmental Damage
Most commercial sanitary pads are made with plastic components that can take up to 500–800 years to decompose. When they are dumped in gutters, rivers, or landfills, they contribute to long-term environmental pollution. Burning pads in open air, which is a common practice, is just as harmful. It releases toxic fumes that pollute the air and can be dangerous when inhaled, especially by children.
Cultural and Social Harm
Disposing of pads carelessly also feeds into the stigma surrounding menstruation. When girls feel they have to “hide” their pads in shame or fear being mocked if someone finds a used pad they threw away, it sends the wrong message, that periods are dirty and girls must be secretive about them.
What’s the Proper Way to Dispose of a Sanitary Pad?
Disposing of sanitary pads properly means managing menstrual waste safely, hygienically, and with minimal harm to the environment. The first rule is simple: never flush pads down the toilet or dispose of them in open public spaces. This causes blockages in plumbing and pollutes water sources.
The best disposal methods depend on what’s available in your community and the type of sanitary product used. The key is to wrap the used pad securely, usually in the wrapper it came in, or in tissue paper, to prevent leaks and odor. Then, place it in a covered bin or a designated sanitary waste container.
Teaching girls and women these habits is crucial to breaking the cycle of improper disposal and environmental damage. It also helps girls feel more confident and dignified managing their periods.
Different Methods To Dispose Sanitary Pads (and When to Use Them)
Here are some common ways sanitary pads can be disposed of properly, along with when and how each method works best:
Dustbin Disposal
This is the most accessible disposal method for many households and schools. After wrapping the used pad carefully, it should be placed in a covered bin specifically meant for sanitary waste if available. This helps contain odor and prevents pests from accessing the waste.
Incineration
Incinerators are special devices designed to burn sanitary waste safely at high temperatures, reducing the volume and destroying harmful bacteria. Many schools and NGOs are advocating for the installation of small-scale incinerators to handle menstrual waste responsibly.
Incineration is a great option in areas where waste collection and disposal infrastructure are weak. However, it requires access to the technology and proper use to avoid harmful emissions. Open burning of pads is strongly discouraged because it releases toxic fumes.
Biodegradable Pad Options
An emerging solution to the disposal problem is the use of biodegradable sanitary pads. These pads are made from natural materials like bamboo, cotton, or banana fiber that decompose more quickly and safely in the environment. When disposed of in compostable waste or buried safely in soil, biodegradable pads minimize long-term environmental impact.
Disposal Bags
Special disposal bags designed for sanitary products are becoming more popular. These are small, sealable bags that can securely wrap used pads, making it easier to carry and dispose of them hygienically.
Some NGOs distribute these bags as part of menstrual health kits, helping girls who may not have access to covered bins or incinerators. Disposal bags are particularly useful for schoolgirls or girls in transit who need a temporary, safe way to store used pads until they can dispose of them properly.
What You Should Never Do
When it comes to sanitary pad disposal, certain habits must be avoided to protect health and the environment:
- Never flush sanitary pads down the toilet. Pads are not biodegradable in water and cause severe blockages in plumbing and sewage systems, leading to costly repairs and environmental contamination.
- Avoid open dumping or throwing pads in public places, bushes, or gutters. This spreads waste, causes unpleasant odors, attracts disease-carrying pests, and pollutes natural water sources.
- Don’t burn pads openly. Unlike controlled incineration, open burning releases toxic chemicals that harm air quality and respiratory health, especially for children and vulnerable community members.
- Never leave used pads uncovered. Exposing menstrual waste openly is unhygienic and perpetuates stigma, making girls feel ashamed about their natural bodily functions.
Breaking these habits is critical and it starts with education and access to the right disposal tools.
Our Commitment at Foundation De Christie
As a leading advocate for menstrual health in Nigeria, Foundation De Christie is deeply committed to transforming how menstrual waste is managed. Our work goes beyond providing sanitary pads, we prioritize educating girls and communities on safe, dignified, and environmentally friendly disposal methods.
We collaborate with schools and local leaders to install sanitary bins, distribute menstrual hygiene kits, and train peer educators. Our goal is to create supportive environments where girls can manage their periods confidently and without fear or shame.
Together with our partners and supporters, we are breaking the silence around sanitary waste and building a cleaner, healthier Nigeria for all girls.
CONTACT US
Address: 27, Banana Island Rd, Lagos Nigeria
Phone: +234 9160003243
Email: info@foundationdechristie.org
Support the Cause
You can be part of the solution. By donating to Foundation De Christie, you help us reach more girls with menstrual hygiene education, sanitary products, and safe disposal resources. Your support empowers us to continue the fight against period poverty and ensure that every girl can manage her period with confidence.
Conclusion
Proper sanitary pad disposal is an environmental responsibility and social justice. In Nigeria, the problem of menstrual waste has long been ignored, but with increased awareness and action, change is within reach.
At Foundation De Christie, we are proud to lead the fight against period poverty, advocating not only for access to menstrual products but also for safe and sustainable disposal practices. Our collective efforts, alongside other dedicated organizations and individuals, can break the cycle of stigma and pollution surrounding menstruation.
