You should not flush tampons.

Quick Scoop

Can you flush tampons?

No — tampons, pads, and similar period products should never be flushed, even if the box says “flushable.” They’re made to be highly absorbent, so in water they swell, snag on pipes, and can cause blockages in your home plumbing and the wider sewer system. Those blockages can lead to sewage backing up into bathrooms and expensive repairs.

On top of that, many tampons contain materials that don’t fully break down in wastewater treatment, so they can end up as sanitary waste on beaches and in rivers and oceans. Period products are estimated to make up a noticeable share of sewage‑related litter found along European rivers and coasts, where wildlife may mistake them for food.

How to dispose of tampons instead

Most health and hygiene organizations recommend:

  • Remove the tampon and wrap it in toilet paper or tissue.
  • Place it in a bathroom bin (ideally a lined bin with a lid).
  • In public or workplace bathrooms, use the sanitary waste bin provided in the stall.

There are also small disposal bags designed specifically for period products if you want something more discreet or travel‑friendly.

Why people still ask this

Many people were never clearly told how to dispose of tampons, and some packaging has historically implied or stated they could be flushed. Surveys have found that a significant portion of women didn’t know tampons shouldn’t be flushed, which is why you now see more warning signs on stall doors and more online discussion of “can you flush tampons.”

Environmental and “latest news” angle

With growing focus on plastic and period waste, there’s been more coverage of tampons and pads as part of the single‑use waste problem. Some reports note that period products contribute several percent of sewage‑related debris on European shorelines, and campaigns now encourage people to “be a binner, not a flusher” to cut this pollution. Brands and nonprofits are also promoting better disposal options and reusable products (like cups and period underwear) as part of a broader sustainability push.

TL;DR: Can you flush tampons? Technically you can , but you really shouldn’t — always bin them, never flush, to protect your plumbing, your wallet, and the environment.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.