Should You Flush Tampons Down the Toilet?

There seems to be two types of tampon users out there: those who were told tp never flush tampons down the toilet, and have religiously followed that rule since they got their first period, and those who were never told this rule, who have flushed every tampon they've ever used. You've probably seen signs in public bathrooms to not flush period products, but many people don't apply that rule to their toilets at home, too.

So what should we be doing with our tampons? Is it ok to flush tampons? In any toilet? In some toilets? The answer is straightforward: you should never flush any tampon down any toilet. For some, that might seem shocking, so let's explain why. 

What happens when you flush a tampon down the toilet?

When you flush a used tampon down the toilet, you risk clogging up pipes and drains, which could lead to backed up toilets and flooding in your bathroom.

Tampons are made to absorb liquid, so they don't break down like toilet paper does as they travel through sewer systems. When tampons are submerged in water (when being flushed) they will expand to much more than their intended absorption. They will not break down or biodegrade in those conditions (even ones that claim to be biodegradable or eco-friendly).

Even if flushing your tampons has not caused clogs or flooding in your home, they will wreak havoc somewhere in the water treatment system. It's not a question of "if", it's a question of "when".

When you flush your toilet, it goes into a water treatment system - either a septic system on your property, or to a water treatment facility. When tampons clog the system, you can cause problems for the treatment of the water from everyone in your entire city or state! This leads to environmental harm and potential health risks, as the sewage water is not treated properly or disposed of as intended. Yuck!

How should you dispose of tampons?

Instead of flushing your tampons, wrap them in toilet paper or in the wrapper of your next tampon, and throw them in the trash. You should dispose of your tampon applicators in the same way - in the trash! If you've been in the habit of flushing your tampons, this might seem weird or take some time t get used to, but the earth, your home, and your entire community will thank you for it.