Environmental implications of disposable sanitary napkin washing practices: a study on menstrual hygiene management in West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Disposable sanitary napkins are widely utilized as menstrual fluid absorbers, significantly impacting women's health and environmental sustainability. This study investigates the washing practices of used disposable sanitary napkins among women in Indonesia, focusing on environmental consequences. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 102 adolescent girls aged 12–16 years and 86 adult women aged 17 years and above, assessing menstrual hygiene management (MHM) behaviors, product knowledge, and handling of used pads. The findings revealed that 97–100% of respondents used disposable pads, with an average daily consumption of 3–5 pads. Notably, adolescent girls exhibited limited understanding of the environmental implications of products. Education positively influenced adult women's knowledge regarding the components and environmental hazards associated with disposable pads. Nearly all respondents reported washing used pads prior to disposal, consuming 3–5 l of water per pad. The resultant wastewater, characterized by total solids and chemical oxygen demand levels of 850–1,577 and 224–1,411 mg/l, respectively, was discarded untreated, posing significant environmental risks. However, the washed pad waste was found to be cleaner and more amenable to further processing. This study underscores the urgent need for improved education and awareness regarding MHM practices and their environmental impacts in Indonesia.