Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC), in partnership with Hey Girls, is providing free reusable period products to residents to reduce waste.
Each year, disposable menstrual products contribute to a staggering amount of waste. In 2019, Huntingdonshire alone sent 260 tonnes of these products to landfill. Nationally, the UK generates 200,000 tonnes of menstrual waste annually. By offering reusable alternatives, HDC aims to tackle this growing environmental issue.
A limited amount of free period cups will be distributed online and through local community facilities, such as libraries and food banks. This initiative is part of the council's broader commitment to reducing waste and supporting sustainable lifestyles.
Executive Councillor for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, Cllr Simone Taylor, said: "Huntingdonshire District Council is committed to reducing waste and supporting sustainable practices. By providing reusable period products, we not only help protect the environment but also empower residents to make lasting, cost-effective choices that reduce waste."
Switching to reusable products can have a significant environmental impact. Transitioning from single-use to reusable menstrual products can save approximately 264 disposable products per year or 5,544 products over a lifetime.
Through this program, 200 people in Huntingdonshire could collectively prevent 52,800 disposable period products from entering the waste stream annually. If successful, the Council plans to expand the program to offer more reusable products in the future.
Residents can order their free period cup online, view our Hey Girls webpage for further details. Alternatively, the products will be available for in-person collection at designated community hubs. For further information, please contact wasteminimisation@huntingdonshire.gov.uk.