Incontinence Product Disposal: Maintaining Dignity and Environmental Responsibility

An estimated 14 million people in the UK live with some form of bladder or bowel incontinence. That’s roughly one in five adults. Yet despite how common it is, incontinence remains one of the least talked-about health conditions — and disposal is the part nobody mentions at all.

This guide is for anyone managing incontinence, whether for themselves or someone they care for. We’ll cover the practical, emotional, and environmental sides of disposal — and show how the right approach can make a real difference to dignity and confidence.

The Reality of Living with Incontinence

Incontinence isn’t a condition that affects only older adults. While prevalence does increase with age — around 24% of people over 60 experience symptoms — it affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Post-surgery patients, new mothers, people with neurological conditions, those managing prostate issues, and many others navigate incontinence as part of daily life.

The NHS estimates that between 3 and 6 million people in the UK have urinary incontinence that significantly impacts their quality of life. Over 6.5 million adults experience bowel problems. And yet, fewer than half of those with severe symptoms ever seek help from a healthcare professional.

Why? Because talking about incontinence feels difficult. It’s wrapped in stigma, silence, and often shame.

This silence extends to disposal. People quietly figure out workarounds — wrapping products in toilet paper, hiding them at the bottom of bins, avoiding going out because they’re unsure how they’d manage a change away from home. The anxiety around disposal can become just as limiting as the incontinence itself.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Why Disposal Matters More Than You Might Think

Disposal isn’t just a practical task, it’s deeply connected to dignity.

Consider what it feels like to change an incontinence product in a public toilet, only to find there’s no bin. Or to visit a family member’s home and worry about where to put a used pad without anyone noticing. Or to care for a parent and feel unsure about the best way to manage disposal hygienically.

A phs Group and Prostate Cancer UK survey found that men experiencing incontinence often become socially isolated specifically because of disposal anxiety. One respondent described becoming “a kind of hermit” due to the stress of not being able to dispose of pads in public, or fearing that he smelled of urine. The lack of facilities added pressure to an already difficult situation.

This is why disposal deserves attention. When disposal is handled well, discreetly, hygienically, and without stress, it supports the person’s sense of control and self-respect. When it’s handled poorly, or not addressed at all, it can amplify feelings of embarrassment and limitation.

The Environmental Challenge

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: incontinence products have a significant environmental footprint.

An estimated three billion disposable nappies and incontinence pads are thrown away in the UK every year. This accounts for 2–3% of all household waste. Disposable incontinence products are the third largest consumer item in landfills, after newspapers and food/beverage containers.

Most incontinence products are made from a combination of wood pulp, plastic, and super-absorbent polymers. They’re designed to lock away moisture and contain odour, which is exactly what makes them effective, but these same properties mean they don’t break down easily. Estimates suggest disposable pads can take up to 500 years to decompose in landfill.

And the problem is growing. As populations age, the number of people using incontinence products is increasing. Without changes to how products are made and disposed of, the environmental impact will only intensify.

This doesn’t mean people should feel guilty for using disposable products. For many, they’re the most practical and effective solution. But it does mean that how we dispose of them matters, both for the environment and for our own sense of doing the right thing.

The Basics of Proper Disposal

Let’s start with the fundamentals. Here’s how to dispose of incontinence products correctly:

1. Never Flush

This is the golden rule. Incontinence pads, pants, and liners are designed to absorb liquid. If you flush them, they’ll continue absorbing water as they travel through the plumbing system, swelling until they cause blockages.

Blocked pipes are expensive to fix. They also contribute to the UK’s estimated 370,000 sewer blockages every year, which can lead to sewage overflows and environmental contamination.

Even products labelled “flushable” should be treated with caution. The safest approach is always to bin, not flush.

2. Wrap and Seal

Roll or fold the used product tightly, using any built-in tapes to secure it if available. Then place it in a disposal bag.

A dedicated disposal bag, like HyGeeni, makes a significant difference here. HyGeeni bags are designed specifically for incontinence products. They’re opaque (so contents aren’t visible), seal securely to contain odour, and are made from sustainable materials including sugarcane and recycled plastic.

Using a proper disposal bag means:

• Odour is contained — no lingering smell in the bathroom
• Privacy is maintained — nobody knows what’s inside
• Hygiene is improved — the product is fully sealed before it goes in the bin

3. Use a Dedicated Bin

At home, having a dedicated bin for incontinence products helps keep things organised and hygienic. Look for a bin with a lid to further contain odour, and consider lining it with a larger bag to make emptying easier.

Empty the bin regularly, how often depends on usage, but aim for at least every couple of days to prevent odour buildup and bacterial growth.

4. Clean and Sanitise

Wipe down the inside of your disposal bin regularly with a disinfectant wipe or mild cleaning solution. If there’s been any leakage, give it a deeper clean. This keeps your bathroom fresh and hygienic.

Disposal Away from Home

Managing incontinence at home is one thing. Managing it when you’re out — at work, visiting friends, shopping, or travelling — is where anxiety often peaks.

The good news: with a bit of preparation, you can handle disposal confidently anywhere.

Build a Portable Kit

Keep a small kit in your bag, car, or coat pocket containing:

• Spare incontinence products (enough for unexpected delays)
• HyGeeni disposal bags, compact, discreet, and effective
• Cleansing wipes for freshening up
• Hand sanitiser
• Spare underwear (just in case)

Having everything ready means you’re never caught unprepared.

Using Public Toilets

Not all public toilets have sanitary bins — and even when they do, they may not be designed for incontinence products. Here’s how to navigate it:

1. Bring your own disposal bag. A HyGeeni bag opens with one hand, seals shut to contain odour, and fits discreetly in any bin — or in your bag until you find one.
2. Look for accessible toilets. These are often larger, cleaner, and more likely to have appropriate bins. In the UK, many accessible toilets can be opened with a Radar key.
3. Don’t feel rushed. Take the time you need. Your comfort and hygiene matter more than the queue outside.

Visiting Family and Friends

This is a situation that causes real stress for many people. You’re in someone else’s home, using their bathroom, and you don’t want to leave any evidence of your incontinence behind.

Using a HyGeeni bag solves this neatly. Seal the used product inside, and it looks just like any other small item of rubbish. Pop it in the bathroom bin — or take it with you to dispose of elsewhere if you prefer.

Nobody needs to know. That’s the point.

For Caregivers

If you’re caring for someone with incontinence... whether a family member, partner, or as a professional carer, disposal is part of the daily routine. Here’s how to make it as smooth as possible:

Prioritise Dignity

Remember that for the person you’re caring for, this is deeply personal. Handle changes and disposal with discretion, matter-of-factness, and respect. Avoid making a fuss, and give them as much privacy as the situation allows.

Set Up a System

Have a dedicated disposal bin in the bathroom (or bedroom, if that’s where changes happen). Stock it with disposal bags and keep spare products nearby so everything is to hand.

Using a product like HyGeeni means the sealed bag can sit in a regular household bin without causing odour or hygiene concerns — which simplifies the process for everyone.

Look After Yourself Too

Caring for someone with incontinence can be physically and emotionally demanding. Don’t be afraid to seek support, whether from continence nurses, local services, or carer support groups. You don’t have to manage everything alone.

Making More Sustainable Choices

If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of incontinence products, there are steps you can take:

1. Use Disposal Bags Made from Sustainable Materials

HyGeeni bags are made from 55% sugarcane and 45% recycled plastic — significantly reducing the environmental footprint compared to conventional plastic bags. They still offer the same performance (odour containment, secure sealing, opacity), but with a kinder impact on the planet.

2. Right-Size Your Products

Using products with the correct absorbency for your needs reduces waste. An overly absorbent product changed frequently uses more resources than a correctly sized product used appropriately. A continence nurse or healthcare professional can help you find the right fit.

3. Consider Washable Options

For some people, washable incontinence underwear is a viable alternative. These products can be washed and reused hundreds of times, significantly reducing waste. They’re not right for everyone — particularly those with heavy incontinence or limited access to laundry facilities — but they’re worth considering if sustainability is a priority.

4. Bin, Don’t Flush

As mentioned, flushing causes blockages and pollution. Binning correctly — ideally with a sealed disposal bag — is always the more responsible choice.

Breaking the Stigma

Perhaps the most important thing we can do around incontinence disposal is talk about it.

Incontinence affects millions of people. It’s not a personal failing. It’s not something to be ashamed of. It’s a health condition, often connected to other medical issues, life stages, or circumstances beyond anyone’s control.

When we treat incontinence as something that must be hidden at all costs, we make life harder for everyone affected. When we normalise it — as something that’s common, manageable, and no big deal — we create space for people to live with more freedom and less anxiety.

Businesses can help by providing appropriate disposal facilities in all toilets, not just women’s. Families can help by having open conversations and practical solutions ready. And individuals can help by giving themselves permission to manage their incontinence without shame.

Support Resources

If you or someone you care for is living with incontinence, these organisations offer advice, support, and practical help:

• Bladder & Bowel UK — Information, advice, and a confidential helpline (0161 214 4591)
• Continence Product Advisor — Independent guidance on choosing products
• Age UK — Support for older adults, including incontinence advice
• Prostate Cancer UK — Specific support for men dealing with incontinence after treatment

Your GP or practice nurse can also refer you to local continence services for assessment and ongoing support.

The Bottom Line

Incontinence is common. Disposal doesn’t have to be complicated.

With the right products — like HyGeeni’s sustainable disposal bags — you can manage disposal discreetly, hygienically, and responsibly, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Dignity isn’t something you should have to sacrifice. And with a little preparation, you won’t have to.

Shop the full HyGeeni range here → fablittlebag.com/collections/hygeeni

Questions about HyGeeni or managing incontinence disposal? Get in touch at hello@fablittlebag.com — we’re here to help.