Sanitary napkins are an important part of personal hygiene while you are on your period. Those of you who are not used to using sanitary napkins may be wondering, what to do with the used after use? Luckily the procedure is quite simple: just wrap the pads and throw them in the trash. You can also purchase special disposal bags to help prevent the spread of bacteria and odors.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Throwing Sanitary Pads in the Trash in the Toilet
Step 1. Remove the used sanitary napkin from the underwear and roll it up
When you are ready to change your pad, carefully remove it from your underwear. Roll the bandage tightly and neatly from one end to the other. Roll so that the dirty part is on the inside and the adhesive part is on the outside.
Rolled up pads are easier to wrap, and will minimize the space needed in the bin
Step 2. Wrap the used sanitary napkin with a piece of paper
Wrapping the pad will keep it cleaner and help prevent the smell from spreading. Use a piece of newspaper, tissue paper, or scrap paper to carefully wrap the rolled up pad.
You can also use new plastic sanitary napkins to wrap used sanitary napkins. If the plastic packaging has an adhesive, use it so that the used sanitary napkins are securely attached inside
Step 3. Throw the wrapped pads into the trash
Once wrapped, put it in the trash in the toilet. If so, put it in a trash can with a lid. The lid will keep the smell of the pads from wafting out.
- Never throw sanitary napkins, their packaging, or wrapping paper into the toilet bowl. These items will clog the drain.
- Preferably, sanitary napkins should be wrapped in paper or wrapping bags before throwing them in the trash. This will make the pads along with other debris easier to remove and throw in the large trash can outside the house.
- Some public toilets have a small trash can or metal trash container in each cubicle for disposing of pads or tampons.
Step 4. Wash your hands after you are done
After the sanitary napkins are removed and you have finished using the toilet, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Washing your hands will prevent the spread of bacteria as well as rinse out any menstrual blood that may have stuck to it.
You should also wash your hands before changing the pads to new ones. This needs to be done to prevent the transfer of unwanted bacteria to the genital area
Step 5. Dispose of garbage bags containing used sanitary napkins outside the house as soon as possible
If used sanitary napkins are left in the trash for too long, the smell will start to sting or even attract animals. If you throw one or more sanitary napkins into the small trash can inside, take the trash outside as soon as possible and put the trash bag in a large bin outside the house or in an appropriate disposal site.
Tie garbage bags to keep odors inside and prevent used sanitary napkins from attracting insects or other animals
Method 2 of 2: Using Special Disposal Bags
Step 1. Purchase a disposal bag made specifically to hold feminine hygiene products
Look for disposal bags designed for this need online or at a pharmacy. Maybe you can find them in the feminine hygiene products section along with pads and tampons.
- Some well-known brands include Scensibles and Fab Little Bag. You can also use a drain bag for diapers.
- Some of these products are biodegradable, making them more environmentally friendly than ordinary plastic bags.
- Some public toilets provide a container containing a drain bag.
Step 2. Roll up the used sanitary napkin after removing it from the underwear
When you are ready to change your pads, remove them from your underwear and roll them up neatly. You will need to roll or fold the pad tightly so that it can be placed in the disposal bag.
Depending on the size of the bag and the size of the pad, you may just need to fold the pad in half instead of rolling it tightly
Step 3. Put the rolled-up pads in a disposal bag and seal them tightly
Some pockets-such as the Scensibles brand-have straps or straps so you can close them easily. Others-like the Fab Little Bag-have adhesive tape to seal the bag tightly.
Check the instructions on the package if you are not sure how to close the disposal bag
Step 4. Put the sealed bag in the trash
After the bag is tightly closed, put it in the trash. Preferably, the trash can is also covered. Smells can come out of a closed bag even if left too long. So, take out the trash immediately if you throw your sanitary napkins in it.
Do not throw the packing bag into the toilet. Place the bag in a trash can or other disposal container
Step 5. Wash your hands when you're done
When finished, wash your hands with warm water and soap. If soap is not available, use hand sanitizer.
Remember, also wash your hands before changing pads
Tips
- In some countries, you can buy sanitary napkins that are biodegradable. The sanitary napkins made from natural materials such as banana fiber are environmentally friendly and can be composted.
- If you're hiking, camping, or out in the wild and can't get rid of used sanitary pads right away, put them in a bag with a lid until you find a trash can or other disposal container.
