3 Essential Reasons to Choose Reusable Menstrual Discs

Each year, the average person who menstruates disposes of approximately 240 pads or tampons. 

Over a lifetime, this accumulates into a pile of over 11,000 products, equating to nearly 130 kilograms of plastic-lined waste. This trash is destined for landfills, where it can persist for centuries or find its way into our oceans.

Imagine replacing that mountain of waste with a single, palm-sized silicone disc reusable for up to a decade. This alternative is driving a shift toward reusable menstrual discs for their waste reduction and financial savings. They also offer a body-safe and comfortable self-care solution.

The Environmental Toll of Single-Use Period Products

The convenience of disposable menstrual products comes at a high environmental cost. In the United States alone, approximately 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are discarded each year. 

Most sanitary pads contain up to 90% plastic, and applicator tampons add even more plastic waste. Disposable period products generate over 200,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, much of which takes over 500 years to break down.

Beyond the physical waste, the carbon footprint is significant as disposable sanitary products contribute significantly to global warming. One person’s lifetime use of single-use pads and tampons can create emissions similar to driving a car for 20,000 kilometers. This pollution also extends directly into our ecosystems.

Plastic applicators and pad back-sheets are common finds during beach clean-ups. As they degrade into microplastics, they contaminate marine food chains. This pollution can ultimately enter our own bodies.

How Reusable Menstrual Discs Work—And Why They’re a Sustainability Powerhouse

A menstrual disc is a flexible ring with a soft basin that tucks into the vaginal fornix, unlike bell-shaped cups that use suction. Made from durable, medical-grade silicone, a single disc can last up to ten years with proper care. 

For comparison, a menstrual cup has less than 1.5% of the environmental impact of disposables, and discs offer similar dramatic reductions. The sustainability benefits are clear over a decade of use. Waste is reduced from 11,000 disposables to just one disc. 

This change also cuts plastic use from 130 kg to under 40 g and significantly lowers the carbon footprint. Discs also offer unique comfort and capacity benefits, holding more than five regular tampons for up to 12 hours of wear. 

The suction-free design is often preferred by those who experience cramping with cups. This thoughtful engineering is a key feature in many modern designs, such as nixit’s eco-friendly menstrual disc, which focuses on a soft, flexible rim.

As an added benefit, their placement allows for mess-free partnered intimacy during menstruation.

Better for Your Body, Better for Your Wallet

Traditional disposable products often contain materials and chemicals that can cause irritation, such as bleach residues, dyes, and synthetic fragrances. 

These have been linked to pH imbalance and contact dermatitis. In contrast, reusable menstrual discs are typically made from medical-grade silicone, an inert material free from these irritants.

The financial benefits are just as compelling. With an average annual spend of around US$120 on pads or tampons, the costs add up quickly. A quality menstrual disc costs between US$35 and $40 and lasts for years, leading to over US$1,100 in savings over a decade.

Supporting a Global Movement

Choosing a reusable product is more than a personal decision; it connects you to a global movement advocating for environmental and social justice. Campaigns like #PlasticFreePeriods have made incredible strides by helping abolish tampon taxes and securing free period products in schools. 

Low-income communities are often disproportionately affected by period poverty and waste hazards, so supporting reusables unites these causes.

You can help amplify this movement in several ways:

• Sign petitions that advocate for free period products in public schools and community centers.
• Share your own waste-savings story on social media using hashtags like #SustainabilityPeriod to inspire others.
• Donate a new disc or cup to outreach organizations that serve refugees and unhoused people.

Simple Care & Cleaning Guide (Keep It Hassle-Free)

Maintaining a menstrual disc is straightforward and hassle-free. Proper care ensures its longevity and hygiene.

• First Use: Before you use your disc for the first time, boil it in water for 5 minutes to sterilize it completely.
• During Your Cycle: Between changes, simply rinse the disc with cool water to prevent stains, followed by a wash with a mild, oil-free soap and warm water.
• Monthly Deep Clean: At the end of your cycle, boil the disc again or use a sterilizing solution or tablets.
• Storage: Always allow your disc to air-dry completely before storing it in a breathable cotton pouch, which is usually included with your purchase.

A common myth is that reusables will smell. Odor is typically caused by bacteria interacting with absorbent materials in pads and tampons. Since silicone is non-porous, proper rinsing and cleaning prevent any odor from developing.

For travelers, a disc is perfectly TSA-friendly. It is made of solid medical silicone, not liquid. This means it faces no airport security restrictions.

The Path Forward

By swapping disposables for a reusable disc, you could personally prevent 130 kg of plastic from reaching a landfill. This also helps cut your period-related carbon emissions and can save over US$1,000. 

When you multiply that individual impact by millions, the collective positive effect on our climate becomes profound.

The journey to a zero-waste period is accessible and empowering. Whether you ultimately choose a disc, a cup, or period underwear, every step toward reusables is a victory for our bodies, our wallets, and the planet we all share.