It has probably happened to you: you are standing in the toilet cubicle with a tampon in your hand, wondering: can I flush this tampon down the toilet? After all, it is such a small thing, and it is convenient to be able to throw it away like that, so why not? The answer is simple, but one you should not forget: No, you should never flush your tampons down the toilet. We will tell you why:
Why can't you flush tampons?
Tampons are designed to absorb fluids. Because they have such a high absorbency, they expand when they get wet and become much larger than they are in dry form. And unlike toilet paper, tampons do not break down easily when flushed but instead retain their shape and often get stuck in pipes, causing them to clog.
The same goes for flushing sanitary pads. When these menstrual products accumulate in the drains, blockages occur that must be removed. A difficult and expensive job. And this not only affects what happens in your building, but the entire sewage system, causing serious problems.
Impact on your plumbing
Even if your tampon successfully disappears after flushing, that doesn’t mean it won't cause trouble further down the line. Tampons can snag on small imperfections within pipes, catching other debris and slowly building into large blockages. This buildup can eventually result in costly repairs, emergency plumber calls, and even flooded bathrooms.
In public and commercial buildings, the issue can escalate quickly. A blocked pipe can cause hygiene problems, service disruptions, and expensive maintenance—something businesses, schools, and leisure facilities naturally want to avoid.
Is flushing tampons bad for the environment?
Yes. Flushing tampons doesn't just pose a risk to your plumbing, it also harms the environment. Not all tampons that are flushed down the toilet are filtered out by wastewater treatment processes. As a result, these menstrual products can end up in rivers and oceans. The situation is so bad that menstrual products constitute approximately 6.3% of sewage-related debris along European rivers and beaches. Animals that live in the sea or along the coast often mistake flushed menstrual products for food. This causes them to die and causes damage and pollution in vulnerable ecosystems.
Choosing not to flush tampons is an easy and important step to protect our sewers and waterways and support sustainability.
How should you dispose of tampons?
Fortunately, there is a very simple answer to this:
- Wrap and dispose: Some toilets provide hygienic disposable bags in which you can wrap your tampon. If these are not available, you can use a piece of toilet paper. Then throw it in the waste bin.
- Sanitary bins: You will find sanitary disposal bins in more and more toilets in public spaces, offices and commercial buildings. In some countries they are even required by law. These bins are discreet, hygienic and are cleaned regularly. This way you can dispose of your tampon in a responsible manner.
Choose responsible hygiene
At CWS Hygiene, we’re committed to promoting safe, sustainable, and inclusive hygiene practices. Awareness about proper tampon disposal helps prevent plumbing issues and supports healthier communities and cleaner environments.
The next time you are in a toilet and are unsure what to do with your tampon, remember that your small action can have a big impact on people and nature.
Do the right thing: bin it, don't flush it!