When should I throw out my old menstrual cup or disc?
There is no set expiry or lifespan for most menstrual cups or discs, because it really depends on how frequently it is used and how well it is cared for. It’s best to always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to how to care for them.
Most menstrual cups and discs can be reused for 5-10 years but should be replaced if you notice any damage like cracks, tears or holes developing. You should also dispose of your menstrual cup or disc if you notice it has a smell that can’t be removed with cleaning or if the surface changes texture in any way. Stains on the surface of your menstrual cup or disc are normal and don't necessarily mean they need to be replaced - find out more about preventing and removing menstrual cup stains and our detailed blog on The Lifespan of a Menstrual Cup or Disc.
Can you recycle a menstrual cup or disc?
It depends on what material your cup or disc is made of and where you live.
In Australia, most (if not all) recycling facilities do not accept silicone for recycling. This means that unfortunately, medical-grade silicone menstrual cups like Lily Cup or OrganiCup, can’t be easily recycled. It may be worth reaching out to your local council to see if there are any facilities in your area that recycle silicone.
TPE (a type of plastic) menstrual cups like the Hello Cup or MeLuna on the other hand, are easier to recycle. Just make sure your local recycling facility accepts number 7 plastics.
How should I dispose of my old menstrual cup?
Silicone menstrual cups should be cut into small pieces and placed in your household rubbish. If you don’t want to throw it out, a silicone menstrual cup can also be burnt down to ash at home - it takes a while, so is best done in the fireplace over many hours.
TPE menstrual cups can be recycled at any facility that accepts number 7 plastics or can be cut into small pieces and thrown in the rubbish.
Even though some menstrual cups can’t be recycled and are not biodegradable, they are still a great way to save waste when compared to disposable pads and tampons. For every year of using a menstrual cup, you save around 300 disposables from heading to landfill! That’s a win-win in our books.
If menstrual cups and discs aren’t biodegradable or recyclable… are they really eco-friendly?
Yes! Even though your menstrual cup or disc will likely end up in landfill, it is still a reusable product that will save hundreds of disposable pads and tampons and their associated plastic packaging from ending up in landfill each year.
It’s also worth considering the resources used to create each disposable product you use - for example, the amount of water, fuel and pesticides used to produce the cotton used in tampons that are worn for only a few hours before being thrown away.
Even if you purchase a few menstrual cups in search of your perfect fit, or if you have to replace it after a few years, it is still a much more sustainable alternative - especially when you consider that the average person with periods will use around 300 disposables each and every year!
You’ll find a huge range of the best menstrual cups and menstrual discs available in Australia.