Question about tampon applicator disposal

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was taught (by my mom) to flush the applicator, but that's back when they were made of flimsy cardboard that would at least theoretically disintegrate in water. When I switched to a plastic applicator, I for sure put the applicator in the trash! Same with the wrapper - it used to be light paper that would immediately fall apart in water, now it's that shiny stuff I would never flush.

I will say that I flush the actual used tampon, and no one is going to get me to stop. I would never routinely put a used tampon in a trash can, that's disgusting, and I have a high bar for disgust. I will put it in a trash can if there is one of those signs saying "no feminine hygiene products in the toilet" - I figure those places have crappy systems.

I used to flush used tampons too until the plumber pulled them out of the pipes in front on my husband, and warned him I should stop.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I actually flushed tampons themselves for several years because I genuinely didn’t realize you weren’t supposed to flush them for some reason.

But flushing plastic applicators and wrappers?? That’s straight up flushing garbage. And how is it easier?? The trash is right there!

Same. I had no idea you weren't supposed to flush the tampon itself until reading DCUM but the applicator???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why don’t you just use tissues? It’s safer and better!

Wut?

[Anonymous]

OP this is seriously bad and you're only going to screw yourself when you clog your pipes. No one flushes plastic applicators no.

Although I don't know why every thread on this always has cup proselytizers. I finally tried a few of those and ended up, four months later, miserable, stressed, having had three yeast infections (and I NEVER get yeast infections) and a sore vajine and going back to tampons with relief.

[Anonymous]

Don’t flush condoms either. So many men do it. Just - don’t. It’s nasty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP this is seriously bad and you're only going to screw yourself when you clog your pipes. No one flushes plastic applicators no.

Although I don't know why every thread on this always has cup proselytizers. I finally tried a few of those and ended up, four months later, miserable, stressed, having had three yeast infections (and I NEVER get yeast infections) and a sore vajine and going back to tampons with relief.

I'm sorry you had a bad cup experience. I'm so thankful for the cup proselytizers because it's really changed my life for the better. For me it's easier and less smelly and let waste and once I got the hang of it, no leakage.

[Anonymous]

What other PLASTIC product would you flash down the toilet?

NO, stop doing this. Our oceans are full of plastics, which are killing sealife and getting into the humans that consume that sealife.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/from-fish-to-humans-a-microplastic-invasion-may-be-taking-a-toll/

[Anonymous]

It is shocking how some people seem to think it is okay to flush tampons as well as applicators. Yikes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What other PLASTIC product would you flash down the toilet?

NO, stop doing this. Our oceans are full of plastics, which are killing sealife and getting into the humans that consume that sealife.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/from-fish-to-humans-a-microplastic-invasion-may-be-taking-a-toll/

Umm, solid waste in the sewage doesn't end up in the ocean. Do you know how the sewage system works?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was taught (by my mom) to flush the applicator, but that's back when they were made of flimsy cardboard that would at least theoretically disintegrate in water. When I switched to a plastic applicator, I for sure put the applicator in the trash! Same with the wrapper - it used to be light paper that would immediately fall apart in water, now it's that shiny stuff I would never flush.

I will say that I flush the actual used tampon, and no one is going to get me to stop. I would never routinely put a used tampon in a trash can, that's disgusting, and I have a high bar for disgust. I will put it in a trash can if there is one of those signs saying "no feminine hygiene products in the toilet" - I figure those places have crappy systems.

If you want to flush tampons at your own house (as a homeowner), then fine. But don't ever, ever do so at anyone else's house, or property if you are a renter.

At home I put everything in the garbage. At work, I flush everything. I hate my boss and she owns the property, so it’s the little things

So to spite your boss, you will be a jerk to the planet. Wow.

[Anonymous]

Flushing is horrifying. I grew up in an old house and I didn’t even flush the tampon, let alone the applicator. Only flush toilet paper.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was taught (by my mom) to flush the applicator, but that's back when they were made of flimsy cardboard that would at least theoretically disintegrate in water. When I switched to a plastic applicator, I for sure put the applicator in the trash! Same with the wrapper - it used to be light paper that would immediately fall apart in water, now it's that shiny stuff I would never flush.

I will say that I flush the actual used tampon, and no one is going to get me to stop. I would never routinely put a used tampon in a trash can, that's disgusting, and I have a high bar for disgust. I will put it in a trash can if there is one of those signs saying "no feminine hygiene products in the toilet" - I figure those places have crappy systems.

Seriously. Stop. Educate yourself about how you are destroying your plumbing.

I'm always shocked at the people who think flushing tampons or those flushable wipes is okay. It's just not.

[Anonymous]

What else do you flush OP? If you are flushing applicators and wrapper, why not everything in the bathroom?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why don’t you just use tissues? It’s safer and better!

Agree. And it’s better for the environment

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What other PLASTIC product would you flash down the toilet?

NO, stop doing this. Our oceans are full of plastics, which are killing sealife and getting into the humans that consume that sealife.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/from-fish-to-humans-a-microplastic-invasion-may-be-taking-a-toll/

Umm, solid waste in the sewage doesn't end up in the ocean. Do you know how the sewage system works?

Umm, Google "combined sewage overflow."