Disposing of sanitary waste is a sensitive issue. Washroom visitors can feel anxious about touching sanitary bin surfaces due to the potential harbouring of bacteria. Providing a safe and hygienic means of sanitary disposal ensures visitor confidence is improved and their experience enhanced.

It makes obvious sense to ensure that female staff and customers are able to discreetly dispose of any feminine hygiene waste in a hygienic manner. This helps to keeps your restroom pleasant and inviting. However, did you know that it is also a legal requirement?

The following legislation governs the area of sanitary waste disposal:

• Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work 2005
• The Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992,
• The Waste Management Act 1996,
• The Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001
• The Protection of the Environment Act 2003
• The Department of Health & Children on health care risk waste (April 2004)

Failing to comply with this legislation could lead to legal problems for you and your business.

Sanitary Bins

Companies must provide sanitary waste disposal bins for female employees and female visitors from other companies. They also need to ensure that the bins are easily accessible.

All sanitary waste must be managed and disposed of properly. Only licensed carriers can dispose of sanitary waste. And they must provide documentation that shows that full audit trail.

Taking these steps will help your company to comply with The Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.

Sanitary Waste Disposal

Never flush sanitary waste down the toilet. This can lead to blockages and expensive repairs. These blockages in turn can lead to leaks and unpleasant smells. This is not the impression you wish to create on your customers!

Sanitary waste can also damage the environment if it’s not disposed of carefully. Because towels and tampons don’t dissolve, then contribute to environmental waste and risks, especially on water systems and beaches. However, if your company does not provide sanitary bins, people will be tempted to simply flush sanitary waste away.

You are legally required to ensure all sanitary waste is disposed of correctly. The relevant legislation is The Waste Management Act 1996, The Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001 and The Protection of the Environment Act 2003.

Sourcing sanitary supplies

So where do you start when you want to put in place a safe and hygienic sanitary waste system?

Initial Hygiene provides your washroom cubicles with one of Initial Hygiene’s no touch sanitary disposal bins. Available in different sizes to suit your requirements, the bins are designed to fit neatly along side the toilet, offering added visitor comfort. Initial Hygiene also provide sanitary disposal service to help you dispose of feminine hygiene waste in a safe, sensitive and environmentally friendly manner.  This helps you to comply with the legislation, reduce your environmental footprint, demonstrate your corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ultimately enhance your reputation.

A fully trained customer delivery representative from one of Initial Hygiene’s local waste transfer stations will perform a regularly scheduled visit to your premises. Exchanging your feminine hygiene disposal bins on each visit ensures a constantly high level of hygiene within your washroom. The service offers you piece of mind and ensures you are providing a professional service for your female visitors.

At each visit a waste transfer certificate is provided, which is necessary for your business’ compliance with Irish legislation. The service offers you piece of mind and ensures you are providing a professional service for your female visitors.

If you would like more information about current sanitary waste disposal regulations or would like to know more about any of the products we offer, please feel free to contact Initial for a free survey and we will be more than happy to help.