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- Lifestyle
by Lisa Carter
Updated: Dec. 10, 2020
Originally Published: March 15, 2017
So, guess what? You really aren’t supposed to flush tampons down the toilet. Who knew? My entire reality feels upside down right now. I just found out that flushing tampons is a no-no, and apparently, this is something everyone knows — it’s even printed on the tampon box. But hey, I’m in my forties and haven’t peeked at those instructions in ages. If I’m honest, I thought I’d mastered the tampon technique all by myself.
Anyway, back to the serious business of not flushing tampons. Are you a habitual flusher? Because I am, and I’ve been doing it for years! I’ve always adhered to the “no diaper wipes” rule like a hawk. Some people in my home might say I’m borderline obsessed, as if they think I’m some crazy lady yelling about wipes. But seriously, I can’t believe I’ve been doing this wrong for almost thirty years!
Just yesterday, while browsing the internet, I stumbled upon an article titled, “Did anyone else know you can’t flush tampons?” I gasped aloud, “What?! No way!” and immediately started interrogating my colleagues. Turns out, I wasn’t alone in my cluelessness. Here’s what they had to say:
- Colleague 1: “Wait, what?!”
- Colleague 2: “Then what are you supposed to do with it?”
- Colleague 3: “I’ve flushed tampons my whole life!”
- Colleague 4: “So we just toss them in the trash? That feels so wrong!”
- Colleague 5: “I’ve heard this before but ignored it every time.”
In my quest for clarity, I reached out to Kimberly-Clark, the folks behind Kotex. Their representative confirmed, “Tampons should not be flushed down a toilet. Unlike Kimberly-Clark’s flushable wipes, tampons aren’t made to break down in wastewater systems.” Wow, I knew not to flush the applicator (go me!), but I never realized that the “no feminine waste” sign applied to the tampon itself. The Kotex box clearly states, “Don’t flush tampons and wrappers down the toilet — it can clog your plumbing and harm the environment. Just wrap it in toilet paper (or use a bag) and toss it in the bin or sanitary disposal unit.” A bag? What bag?!
According to the Tampax website, while tampons are biodegradable in landfills, flushing them is a no-go. They can’t be processed by wastewater-treatment facilities and may damage septic systems. It’s a call to action for all of us to dispose of tampons responsibly in the trash so we can contribute to environmental well-being. Well, I haven’t been doing my part for the last 25 years—oops.
Playtex also says, “Flush the used tampon or place it in an appropriate waste container.” Tsk, tsk, Playtex. What else have we been doing wrong? My mind is reeling, kind of like the time I found out Sinbad didn’t star in that genie movie called Shazaam! Spoiler alert: he didn’t. And yes, you really do need to wrap those tampons and throw them in the trash!
So, for all of you like me who had no idea, now we do.
And if you’re looking for more great tips on home insemination, check out this informative article and find out how to navigate the process successfully. Additionally, Make a Mom is a fantastic resource for home insemination kits. For more guidance on what to expect during your first IUI, this resource is super helpful.
Summary: It’s essential to remember that tampons should never be flushed down the toilet, as they can cause plumbing issues and harm the environment. Instead, wrap them up and dispose of them in the trash.