Why Providing Sanitary Bins in Bathrooms Is Vital in Modern Workplaces

Everyone will recognise the grey bins in the corner of the bathroom, next to the toilet, but there are still many workplaces which fail to provide sanitary bins for staff and visitors. Workplace sanitary bins are a vital component of bathroom supplies, but many environments still fall short of complying with adequate sanitary waste disposal.

Although providing sanitary bins is not a direct legal requirement, there are legal obligations and ethical responsibilities associated with managing sanitary waste. Take a moment to consider whether your office or workplace is well equipped and consider switching to eco friendly sanitary waste management.

If you’re wondering what the law is on sanitary waste disposal in workplaces, or are unsure where to start, we’re here to help you to understand what the requirements are.

The Legal Requirements for Sanitary Bins in Workplaces

Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations Act of 1992, employers must provide suitable and sufficient sanitary disposal. This includes the appropriate means for disposing of sanitary waste. For many businesses, the most convenient way to do this is to provide workplace sanitary bins in toilets.

Although under the law, suitable can be interpreted variably, it is commonplace for most offices and workplaces to provide one sanitary bin for each toilet cubicle. Furthermore, sanitary waste is classified as offensive waste. In practice, this means employers have a legal duty to ensure it is stored safely, collected by a licensed waste carrier and disposed of correctly.

All of this legislation is designed so that those menstruating feel safe and comfortable, but it also prevents the ad hoc disposal of sanitary waste, which can end up being flushed or in general waste bins. Under the Water Industry Act 1991, it is an offence to deliberately flush items that cause blockages, including sanitary products.

The Ethical Imperative: Dignity, Respect and Inclusivity

Not only is it a legal requirement to ensure the correct disposal of sanitary waste in the workplace, but it also provides support for menstruating employees. There’s nothing worse than going to use a communal toilet and having to stress about where to dispose of your used sanitary products. This is why in so many cases, tampons and pads end up flushed and then clog up the plumbing system, or are simply disposed of in general waste.

Providing an adequate supply of sanitary bins avoids the prospect of encountering plumbing problems but also ensures everybody in your workplace has the dignity they deserve at work. Sanitary bins are so commonplace today that they are expected in communal bathrooms. This not only ensures employees are looked after, but it also means you avoid the hygiene risks of improper disposal.

If you do not have sanitary bins in the workplace, communal bathrooms can quickly experience overflowing general waste, an increased cleaning burden and unpleasant odours.

Workplace Sanitary Bin Solutions - Including Eco Friendly Options

We stock a variety of sanitary bins, which are suitable for lots of different environments. Increasingly, the period product industry is recognising the environmental impact of sanitary waste disposal. Not only are brands like Grace & Green creating more environmentally friendly period products, but brands are cottoning on to the importance of eco friendly disposal methods.

Rather than plastic bins, brands like Sanni Bin are making sanitary bins from 100% paper, which are easy to assemble and can then be recycled. When you make the switch to Sanni Bin, there is also no need for external contractors to come in and empty the bins. Each bin has a special sanitary layer inside to prevent any leakage and is easy to store in toilet cubicles.

We also stock standard plastic sanitary bins, which are ideal if you already have a contractor set up or would prefer this method.

A Simple Step with Significant Impact

Providing sanitary bins is essential for workplaces and communal bathrooms, as the legislation outlines. Not only is it strongly recommended in the law, but employers have an ethical and moral responsibility to make their staff feel supported and comfortable.

If you don’t already have sanitary bins in every toilet cubicle, take this as your sign to upgrade your facilities and commit to improving employee wellbeing. We also stock a variety of sanitary products from tampons and pads to period pants and more.