Portsmouth sanitary bins call for men's toilets to end 'stigma'

The council said men who need to dispose of their sanitary waste should have direct access to a sanitary bin

Sanitary bins should be placed in all men's and unisex toilets, in a bid to end "stigma", a council has said.

Portsmouth City Council is reviewing public provisions and asking businesses to put bins in all toilets.

Men have no direct access to sanitary bins to dispose of waste, such as incontinence pads, colostomy or catheter by-products.

The council is backing Prostate Cancer UK's campaign Boys Need Bins which is asking for the law to be updated.

A survey by the charity found that almost one third of men had been forced to carry their own waste in a bag.

One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in men, the charity added.

As many as 69% of those treated with surgery may experience urinary incontinence as a result.

Jonathan Hall said he was pleased the issue was being addressed as it would "make life easier"

Jonathan Hall, from Petersfield in Hampshire, had part of his prostate removed and uses incontinence pads but finds it difficult to dispose of them in public.

His current solution is to take two pads with him, wrap one up in the other, and carry it around with him until he finds a bin.

He said: "I'm ecstatic that the council have taken this initiative, it's a real step forward.

"I've been banging on about this issue for quite some time and it's really exciting for me because it means they are finally taking the problem seriously."

The council has agreed that men should be able to safely and hygienically dispose of these products with dignity.

"It will be reviewing provision across its public conveniences and buildings to address this issue and urge all businesses to consider introducing sanitary bins in male and unisex toilets in their buildings so that together we can improve things for men in Portsmouth and collectively help to end this stigma," the authority said in a letter to businesses.

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