Tampons

Providing period products in workplace washrooms supports the dignity, wellbeing, and productivity of employees who menstruate. Period poverty affects a significant proportion of the population, and being caught without products at work is a common and disruptive experience. Scotland introduced a legal requirement for free period products in public buildings in 2021, and there is increasing expectation across UK employers that basic period provision is a standard part of workplace welfare. It is also a simple and low-cost addition to washroom consumables.

Workplaces should offer a range of options so that individuals can choose an option to best suit their needs.

Tampons in commercial washrooms are typically provided via a coin-operated or free-vend vending machine mounted in the washroom, or supplied in a basket or dispenser on a shelf. Free vending is increasingly preferred by progressive employers as it removes the barrier of requiring exact change. Vending machines allow products to be dispensed hygienically from a locked unit. Where a managed washroom service is in place, tampon vending and restocking is often included as part of the service contract.

The UK removed VAT on period products in January 2021, meaning tampons and other period products are now zero-rated for VAT purposes. The requirement applies to all purchases including commercial bulk orders and washroom vending supplies. Prior to 2021, period products were subject to 5% VAT as 'luxury items'. The zero-rating applies to all period products including tampons, pads, liners, menstrual cups, and period pants.

Stock levels should reflect the number of individuals likely to use the facility and the service interval. A small workplace washroom with limited footfall may need restocking monthly, whilst a busy public or retail washroom may require weekly restocking. Track dispensed quantities to establish a usage baseline and adjust stock accordingly. Ensuring the machine is never empty, particularly at the start and end of the working week, is more important than optimising stock levels precisely.

Organic cotton tampons are a popular option for workplaces with sustainability commitments, as they are made without synthetic fibres, dyes, or chlorine bleaching. Non-applicator tampons are more compact and produce less packaging waste. Providing a choice of standard and organic options broadens accessibility.

Used tampons should be disposed of in a sanitary disposal bin in the toilet cubicle, they must never be flushed. Sanitary waste is classified as offensive waste under UK regulations and must be disposed of by a licensed waste carrier. Providing a clearly signed, accessible sanitary bin in every cubicle alongside period product provision ensures that waste is disposed of correctly and does not cause drain blockages.

Commercial tampon supply for workplace washrooms is sourced in bulk packs or as part of a managed washroom vending contract, considerably reducing cost per unit compared to retail pricing. Products supplied for vending are individually wrapped in compact packaging designed for vending machine dispensing. Consumer retail packs are not cost-effective at commercial volumes.