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! This page explains the impacts of disposable products and provides guides, videos and workshops to help you decide what reusable products might work for you.
On this page
Reusable menstrual products
Impact of disposable menstrual products
It is estimated that a person who menstruates will spend around $150 each year managing their period. Over a lifetime, this can amount to about 10,000 disposable menstrual products. Most of these will end up in landfill where they can take 300 to 500 years to decompose, if they break down at all. (Clean up Australia 2025).
Switching to reusable menstrual products can significantly reduce waste and may also offer cost savings, convenience and environmental benefits.
For more information read the World Health Organization bulletin on the Environmental impact of menstrual hygiene products.
Guide to reusable menstrual products
Our guide explains different types of reusable menstrual products, and what to consider when choosing one.
Guide to reusable menstrual products(PDF, 161KB)
Reusable alternatives to disposable pads
If you currently use disposable pads, you you may wish to consider reusable external products such as absorbent period underwear or reusable cloth pads. Watch the videos below to learn how these products work and how to care for them.
Alternatives to disposable pads
How to wash and care for reusable underwear
Out and about with reusable underwear and pads
Reusable alternatives to tampons
If you currently use tampons, you may wish to consider reusable internal products such as menstrual cups or menstrual discs. Watch the videos below to learn how these products work and how to care for them.
Reusable alternatives to tampons
Finding the right cup or disc for you
Caring for a menstrual cup or disc
Reusable incontinence products
Incontinence is a common condition. With the right support, it can often be managed, treated and, in some cases, cured. Where incontinence cannot be cured, products may be needed to support comfort, dignity and quality of life.
Impact of disposable incontinence products
By 2030, Australia is projected to have up to ten times more single-use disposable incontinence products than babies' nappies. This increase is largely driven by an ageing population and contributes significantly to landfill waste.
(International Journal of Integrated Waste Management, Science and Technology).
Guide to reusable incontinence products
Reusable incontinence products are available in a range of brands, sizes and absorbency levels. They can be used to manage urinary incontinence, bowel incontinence, or both. It is recommended that you talk with a relevant health professional, such as a nurse continence specialist, about which reusable products may be suitable for you or for someone you care for.
Our guide explains different types of reusable incontinence products, and what to consider when choosing one.
Guide to reusable incontinence products(PDF, 149KB)
Upcoming workshops
Council runs informative workshops throughout the year, both online and in person. Attendees who live in Maroondah may receive a voucher to purchase their own reusable menstrual product.
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.
Reusable Menstrual and Incontinence Feasibility Study
In 2022, Maroondah City Council was one of seven Melbourne Councils 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 worked in partnership with Knox City Council, Whitehorse City Council, the City of Stonnington and Hume City Council, along with Elana from Cloth Nappy Workshops Melbourne, to develop the information and resources on this page.
