Having your menstrual cycle can be a frustrating time for women, especially when it comes to using the right products and saving money. In this article, we will walk you through how to build a zero waste period and menstrual routine using practical, long-lasting alternatives to single-use products. Whether you’re new to sustainable menstrual care or looking to expand your options, we’ll cover everything from reusable pads and period pants to menstrual cups, biodegradable tampons, and more.
Key Points:
- Learn what a zero waste period looks like in practice.
- Compare reusable options like menstrual cups, pads, and pants.
- Discover how to care for and clean each product.
- Find eco-friendly choices that suit different flows and lifestyles.
- Understand how zero waste options reduce long-term cost and landfill waste.
Why Go for a Zero Waste Period?
The environmental impact of disposable period products is hard to ignore. Since the mid-20th century, we’ve been discarding plastic-packed tampons and pads every month—but because they’re considered medical waste, there’s no tracking system for where they end up. According to Business Waste, “in the UK, more than 4.3 billion disposable menstrual products are used and disposed of every year. This includes tampons, pads, and applicators.” With this in mind, more people are looking towards reusable or even washable solutions to help manage periods better.
Let’s also consider that periods can last a long time, varying from person to person. Most people menstruate for around 40 years. With around five-day periods each month, that adds up to over six years of bleeding—and a lot of thrown-away products. The majority will end up in landfills or worse, washed into rivers and oceans. Of course, this can also depend on other factors that can disrupt period flow, including iron deficiency.
Hidden Plastic, Visible Damage
Every disposable pad and tampon ever used is still with us. From the plastic wrap and applicators to the synthetic backing and absorbent layers, these products don’t go away—they break down into microplastics. Beach cleanups often find plastic tampon applicators among the debris, showing just how far these products travel.
Even so-called “eco” disposables still contribute to monthly waste. They might be better than plastic-heavy versions, but they still get binned. A zero waste period would help to remove the need for throwaway habits entirely.
It’s Not Just About Waste
The disposable sanitary product industry often plays into stigma, with products designed to hide your period entirely. But today’s generation is changing that. Periods are, after all, natural, and managing them in a more open, sustainable way can be freeing—not just for the environment but for your peace of mind too.
Integrating a zero waste period into your lifestyle can help you save money, reduce waste, and feel more in control of your cycle—without toxic chemicals or last-minute product runs.
With that being said, let’s look at what options are available for you today so that you can enjoy a zero-waste period menstrual routine:
1. Period Pants
Period pants are one of the easiest ways to switch to a zero waste period. They look and feel just like regular underwear but come with built-in absorbent layers to manage menstrual flow. There’s no need for extra pads or tampons—just wear, rinse, wash, and repeat.
Why Period Pants Work So Well
For many people, especially those new to reusables, period pants feel the most natural. They’re easy to wear at school, work, or overnight. They come in a range of absorbencies to suit light spotting, heavy flow days, and everything in between.
Reusable period pants are available in different styles, from low-rise briefs to high-waisted designs. Some even have side openings, making them easier to change if you’re out and about. As long as you have a few pairs to rotate, they can replace disposables completely.
Washing and Care Is Simple
Caring for period pants is more straightforward than it might seem. After wearing, rinse them in cold water to remove most of the blood. Then wash them with your normal laundry at 30°C—just skip the fabric softener, as it can affect absorbency. Hang them to dry out of direct heat, ideally inside out to speed things up.
Because they’re reusable, you won’t be caught out if you forget to buy disposables. There’s no rustling wrappers, no irritation from synthetic materials, and no monthly waste heading to landfill.
Disposing of Reusable Period Pants
Even when period pants reach the end of their lifespan, they’re still part of a zero waste period routine. Most are made with a waterproof TPU layer that can be removed before composting or textile recycling. If outgrown or no longer needed, they can also be passed on.
2. Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are one of the most reusable options available when it comes to building a zero waste period routine. Made from medical-grade silicone or rubber, they’re designed to sit inside the vaginal canal and collect menstrual blood rather than absorb it. This makes them a popular swap for those who want to stop using tampons without giving up internal protection.
To use a menstrual cup, you fold it and insert it like a tampon. Once in place, it forms a gentle seal and stays put until you’re ready to remove it. Most people wear their cup for up to 8–12 hours, depending on flow, making it a practical choice for work, travel, or overnight.
Removing the cup takes a little practice. You’ll need to gently squeeze the base or twist the cup to release suction before pulling it out. Once emptied, rinse it with clean water and reinsert if needed. Between cycles, you can sterilise your cup by boiling it in water for 5–6 minutes.
Why Cups Are Good for Low Waste Living
A single menstrual cup can last up to 10 years with proper care. That means fewer products to buy, fewer emergency trips to the shop, and far less waste ending up in landfill or sewer systems. For many people, switching to a menstrual cup is a big step toward a zero waste period.
While menstrual cups are reusable for many years, they aren’t biodegradable or recyclable at the end of their life. However, the long-term waste saved still makes them a solid choice for those looking to cut down on monthly waste.
If you have a heavier flow, you might want to wear a cloth pad or period pants as back-up when using a cup. This is especially helpful on days when you’re unsure how often you’ll be able to change it.
Menstrual cups are ideal for people looking to reduce their impact and simplify their routine—no wrappers, no applicators, no bin trips. Just wash, reuse, and get on with your day.
3. Reusable Washable Incontinence Underwear
Reusable, washable incontinence pants for women are a reliable, low-fuss option for building a zero waste period routine. Whilst these are mainly used to help those with incontinence, their sustainable and absorbent features make them a reliable solution to ease period flow as well. Made from soft materials, they offer comfort, absorbency, and eco-friendly protection.
These pads come in a range of sizes and absorbencies to suit light, moderate, or heavy flow. Once used, simply fold them closed and store them in a wet bag until you can rinse and wash them. They create no mess or odour and make rustling plastic wrappers a thing of the past.
Easy to Wash and Reuse
Cleaning these reusable incontinence pants is straightforward. Rinse them in cold water when removed, then machine wash at a high temperature —just avoid fabric softeners, as they can affect absorbency. Once clean, hang them to dry naturally, away from direct heat. Over time, they can last for years, making them a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to monthly disposables.
When they eventually wear out, cloth pads can often be recycled with textiles or composted, depending on the materials used. Some people even repurpose old fabrics to make their own.
These reusable incontinence underwear pants can also support those dealing with urinary leaks. They’re a discreet and washable option for light incontinence and may be a good fit for anyone managing incontinence in the workplace or seeking a more flexible alternative to disposables.
For overnight protection, washable incontinence underwear can work well when managing incontinence at night.
Reusable pads offer a simple way to manage your cycle without adding to landfill—and they make your zero waste period routine even more versatile.
Opt for Reusable Period Products for a Zero-Waste Menstrual Routine
In conclusion, switching to a zero waste period doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose reusable pads, menstrual cups, period pants, or biodegradable options, there’s a solution to suit every body and lifestyle. These small changes can reduce your waste, save money, and make your cycle feel more manageable. With the right products and a bit of planning, you can take control of your period routine in a way that’s kinder to the planet.
FAQs
Is switching to a zero waste period routine actually hygienic?
Yes, absolutely. All reusable products like period pants, cloth pads, and menstrual cups are designed to be washed and reused safely. When cleaned properly (rinsed, washed at a high temperature, and air dried), they are just as hygienic as disposable options—if not more so, since you’re in full control of cleanliness.
How often should I change reusable period products?
It depends on your flow. Light to medium flow days might only require one or two changes. On heavier days, you may want to switch every 3–6 hours—just like with disposable pads or tampons. Menstrual cups can typically be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on capacity.
Sources
Business Waste. (2025) Sanitary Waste. [online] Available at: https://www.businesswaste.co.uk/your-waste/sanitary-waste/sanitary-waste-facts/ [accessed 18/07/2025]
Katella, K., (2024) Are You Iron Deficient? 8 Things Women Should Know. Yale Medicine. [online] Available at: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/are-you-iron-deficient-what-women-need-to-know [accessed 18/07/2025]
About the author
Julie Boultwood is the strategic eCommerce manager for HARTMANN Direct. With over 25 years of experience in marketing, she has developed expertise in several industries including healthcare, agriculture, and travel. View her social media.