Hospeco Brands Group is now offering a menstrual care product for the away-from-home market that packs a safe, sanitary disposal method, free, with most product vending machines. Under the new program, which begins rolling out this month, customers who order D1 and EV sanitary pad and tampon dispensers get a free Scensibles dispenser and Scensibles personal disposal bag refill pack, in specially marked cartons. Lightly scented, Scensibles disposal bags have easy tie handles to safely dispose of used menstrual care products and feature a built-in antimicrobial additive that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the bag, helping to keep restrooms smelling fresh. Refillable and compact, the bag dispensers are imprinted with instructions for use, making it clear not to flush products down the toilet.

“When the Scensibles dispenser is mounted alongside the pad and tampon dispenser in the restrooms, users immediately recognize there is a safe, sanitary way to dispose of used product,” says Bill Hemann, Executive VP. “Patrons’ continued use of Scensibles — and the positive impact the disposal bags have on restroom sanitation — should encourage building owners to add Scensibles to every stall.”

Hospeco has long offered safe, sanitary disposal products and will continue to offer these products as separate product SKUs. However, the company’s decision to supply sanitary disposal at the point of vend is intended to spread awareness about the category.

Lack of sanitary disposal can have far-reaching negative effects. When facilities don’t consider disposal, users are left with poor choices. Improperly flushing product can lead to costly plumbing repairs. Overflowing trash cans create an unsanitary environment in which odors and bloodborne pathogens become real issues for the next guest and the custodial crew. An inhospitable restroom also discourages use and can have a negative effect on the perception of your brand. A clean restroom is important to any business’s image.

Poor restroom sanitation is often found in the most economically challenged areas, furthering the grip of period poverty. Society is just beginning to reckon with the negative impact of unequal access to menstrual care products. Offering free product in public restrooms and a free method of sanitary disposal is an important step in addressing the matter.