Reusable menstrual and incontinence products
Investing in reusable products not only reduces waste and our reliance on plastic products, but can save you money as well!
On this page
Impact of disposable products
It is estimated that a person who menstruates will spend around $150 a year to manage their period. Over their lifetime, they can expect to use around 10,000 disposable menstrual products. Most of these will end up in landfill where they can take 300-500 years to decompose, if ever (Clean up Australia 2025).
By switching to reusable menstrual products, you can reduce the waste associated with managing your period and enjoy the cost saving, convenience and environmental benefits!
For more information read the World Health Organization bulletin on the Environmental impact of menstrual hygiene products.
Reusable menstrual products
Download our guide to reusable menstrual products and watch the videos below to learn more about the different types of reusable menstrual products available.
Guide to reusable menstrual products(PDF, 1MB)
Alternatives to disposable pads
How to wash and care for reusable underwear and pads
Out and about with reusable underwear and pads
Reusable alternatives to tampons
Finding the right cup or disc for you
Caring for a menstrual cup or disc
Council runs informative workshops throughout the year, both in-person and online. Maroondah attendees may receive a voucher to purchase their own reusable menstrual product. See upcoming workshops
Reusable incontinence products
Download our guide to reusable incontinence products to learn more about the different types of reusable incontinence products available.
Guide to reusable incontinence products(PDF, 149KB)
By 2030, Australia is projected to have up to ten times more single-use disposable incontinence products than babies' nappies, driven by an ageing population (International Journal of Integrated Waste Management, Science and Technology).
Incontinence is a common condition that, with the right help, can be managed, treated and sometimes cured. When a person’s incontinence cannot be cured, special products may be required to help manage the condition, with the aim of maintaining the person’s comfort, dignity and quality of life.
There are reusable incontinence products available in different brands, sizes and absorbency levels to help manage incontinence that you, or the person you are caring for, are experiencing (urinary, bowel or both).
Please discuss with a relevant health professional (eg. Nurse Continence Specialist) on which reusable products are available, and which options might be suitable for you or the person you care for.
Upcoming workshops
Please note that if there are no workshops showing they will be added when available. You can also subscribe to our Waste and Sustainability eNewsletter to stay up-to-date with workshops and more.
Reusable Menstrual and Incontinence Feasibility Study
In 2022, Maroondah City Council was one of seven Melbourne Council’s that took part in a feasibility study exploring reusable menstrual and incontinence products.
The Feasibility Study found there is support and enthusiasm for increased use of reusable menstrual and incontinence products among those who participated in the social research. The Study proposed two behaviour change models and a series of strategies and actions to encourage the greater use of reusable menstrual and continence products.
Council is continuing to collaborate with partnership Councils to deliver Study recommendations and actions where feasible.
This project was supported by the Circular Economy Councils Fund. The Fund was delivered by Sustainability Victoria under the Victorian Government’s circular economy policy, Recycling Victoria: a new economy.
Further information
Maroondah City Council, in partnership with Knox City Council, Whitehorse City Council, City of Stonnington and Hume City Council have collaborated with Elana, owner of Cloth Nappy Workshops Melbourne, to develop the information and resources on this page, including the brochure and video content.
