
What Happens When You Flush a Tampon? The Shocking Truth
We’ve all been there — the awkward bathroom moment when you’re not sure what to do with a used tampon. Flushing seems convenient, quick, and out of sight... but what really happens when that tampon disappears down the loo?
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t disappear.
What Happens After the Flush?
When you flush a tampon, it doesn’t break down like toilet paper. Tampons are designed to absorb and hold their shape, which means they often swell and clog pipes instead of passing through your plumbing system.
Once they’ve caused havoc in your pipes, they travel to wastewater treatment plants — if they make it that far. Many are filtered out and end up in landfills. Worse, some escape entirely and flow into our rivers, oceans, and beaches.
The Impact: Plumbing Nightmares & Ocean Pollution
Let’s break it down:
🚽 Plumbing damage:
Tampons are a leading cause of blockages in toilets and pipes, costing UK households and businesses millions in plumbing repairs every year.
🌊 Environmental damage:
Flushed tampons can travel through sewage systems and end up in our waterways. Each year, 1.5–2 billion period products are flushed in the UK alone. These products often contain plastic and non-biodegradable materials, contributing to marine pollution and harming wildlife.
🐬 Wildlife at risk:
Sea creatures can ingest these plastics or get tangled in them, leading to injury or death. Something as small as a tampon has a lasting impact far beyond our bathrooms.
Why So Many People Still Flush
There’s a major reason this continues: lack of education and discreet disposal options.
Many bathrooms (especially public ones) don’t offer bins, making flushing the only "easy" option — particularly for young girls or those in shared spaces.
It’s not just bad habits — it’s poor infrastructure and social discomfort around periods.
The Solution? Bin It With Confidence
That’s where FabLittleBag comes in.
Our discreet, hygienic period disposal bags make it easy to bin your tampon, pad, or liner with zero mess and zero shame — anywhere, anytime. No bin? No problem. Our sealable bags trap odour and leakage, meaning you can keep your used product safely tucked away until you find on
🌱 Eco-friendly design
Made from 60% sugarcane, 10% renewable cornstarch, and 30% recycled plastic — they’re better for the planet and for you.
👜 On-the-go convenience
Pop a few in your bag, your desk drawer, or your gym kit — because your period should never be a problem to hide or flush away.
The Bottom Line
Flushing tampons is bad for your plumbing, your planet, and your peace of mind.
It’s time to ditch the flush and embrace a new kind of disposal — one that’s responsible, sustainable, and totally stress-free.
Make the switch today.