The Cost of Ignoring Period Care in Businesses
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Many businesses invest heavily in workplace improvements, from ergonomic office chairs to mental well-being initiatives, yet period care is still an afterthought in many workplaces. Ignoring period care isn’t just a missed opportunity for inclusivity, it also comes with real financial and environmental costs that businesses can no longer afford to overlook.
Providing proper period disposal solutions isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your plumbing, improving employee satisfaction, and demonstrating corporate responsibility.
Let’s break down the true cost of ignoring period care and how businesses can become period supportive in a way that benefits both employees and the bottom line.
The Financial Cost: Plumbing Nightmares & Lost Productivity
Ignoring period care in the workplace can lead to some expensive and entirely avoidable issues, including:
Costly Plumbing Repairs
Did you know? In the UK alone, 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million pads are flushed every single day.
Without proper disposal facilities, many employees flush period products, thinking it’s the easiest solution. The result? Blocked pipes, plumbing call-outs, and costly maintenance bills.
The Real Cost:
- A single plumbing call-out can cost £150–£300, with full pipe replacements running into the thousands.
- Recurring plumbing issues disrupt operations and inconvenience staff and customers.
Lost Productivity & Employee Satisfaction
When employees don’t have access to period disposal solutions, it impacts their focus, comfort, and engagement at work.
- 55% of employees who menstruate say they feel embarrassed or stressed at work due to inadequate period facilities.
- Lack of access to proper disposal can mean longer breaks, time spent finding alternative solutions, or even absenteeism.
- Businesses with inclusive and supportive policies experience higher employee retention and better workplace satisfaction.
Providing period disposal options shows employees they are valued, improving morale and engagement.
The Environmental Cost: Flushed Period Products & Waste Pollution
Flushed period products don’t disappear—they cause environmental harm that businesses should be actively working to prevent.
🌊 Period Waste & Water Pollution
When tampons and pads are flushed, they often end up in rivers, oceans, and on beaches, contributing to plastic pollution.
Fact: Over 1.5 billion period products are flushed down UK toilets every year. Many contain plastic, taking 500+ years to break down.
🚮 Overflowing & Unhygienic Bins
For businesses that do provide bins, poor waste management can still be an issue. Overflowing, unsealed bins lead to odours, hygiene concerns, and discomfort for employees and customers.
The Solution? FabLittleBag
By introducing FabLittleBag’s hygienic, discreet, and sustainable period disposal solution, businesses can:
- Reduce flush-related waste pollution
- Encourage responsible disposal
- Support sustainability goals with eco-friendly disposal options
The Business Case for Becoming Period Supportive
The cost of ignoring period care is far greater than the cost of implementing simple, effective solutions.
- Businesses that introduce proper period disposal solutions experience:
- Lower plumbing and maintenance costs
- Improved employee satisfaction and retention
- Enhanced workplace inclusivity and reputation
- Alignment with sustainability goals and ESG targets
Providing discreet disposal solutions like FabLittleBag is a small investment that delivers significant returns for businesses.
How to Make Your Business Period Supportive
Becoming a period-supportive business is simple and cost-effective:
1️⃣ Install Proper Disposal Solutions – Equip restrooms with FabLittleBag dispensers and bin refills to ensure hygienic, discreet disposal options.
2️⃣ Offer Free Period Products – Stock restrooms with organic tampons and pads to ensure employees and visitors never get caught off guard.
3️⃣ Raise Awareness & Educate Staff – Promote open conversations about period care in the workplace to reduce stigma and normalise access to proper facilities.
4️⃣ Commit to Sustainability – Encourage eco-friendly disposal habits by providing FabLittleBag’s biodegradable disposal solutions, helping reduce waste pollution.
The Cost of Inaction vs. The Value of Action
Ignoring period care comes with avoidable costs, from plumbing repairs to lost productivity. Businesses that take proactive steps toward period inclusivity not only save money but also create a more welcoming, sustainable, and forward-thinking workplace.
Protect Your Business. Support Your Employees. Help the Planet.
Take Action: Become a Period Supportive Business Today
Businesses across the UK are joining the Period Supportive Movement—will yours be next?
📩 Order FabLittleBag dispensers, refills, and workplace period solutions today.