When it comes to choosing tampons, one important consideration is whether they are flushable or not. Many tampon brands claim to be flushable, but some are more flushable than others. This article will examine the major tampon brands and evaluate which are the most flushable based on composition, testing results, and manufacturer claims.
Are Tampons Flushable?
In general, most tampon manufacturers claim their regular tampons are flushable. However, some tampons are more flushable than others. The main factors that affect a tampon’s flushability are:
- Materials – 100% cotton tampons are more likely to disintegrate than synthetic materials like rayon.
- Absorbency – Higher absorbency tampons tend to be less flushable.
- Applicator – Plastic applicators do not disintegrate, so tampons without applicators tend to be more flushable.
- Testing – Some tampon brands conduct extensive flushability testing, while others do not.
While it’s best to not flush tampons at all, some circumstances may require it. In those cases, choosing a 100% cotton, low absorbency tampon without an applicator gives you the best chance of it being flushable.
Major Tampon Brands and Flushability
Here is a breakdown of some of the most popular tampon brands and how flushable their products are:
Tampax
- Materials: Rayon/cotton blend
- Absorbency Range: Light to Super Plus
- Applicators: Plastic
- Flushability Testing: No data available
Tampax indicates their tampons are flushable on packaging but provides no details on testing. The rayon composition and plastic applicators likely make them less flushable.
Playtex
- Materials: Rayon/cotton blend
- Absorbency Range: Light to Super Plus
- Applicators: Plastic
- Flushability Testing: No data available
Playtex also labels their tampons as flushable but provides no testing data. Their materials and applicators make flushability unlikely.
o.b.
- Materials: Rayon/cotton blend
- Absorbency Range: Light to Super
- Applicators: None
- Flushability Testing: No data available
o.b. states their tampons are flushable. While they don’t have applicators, their rayon content still poses flushability issues.
Natracare
- Materials: 100% organic cotton
- Absorbency Range: Light to Super
- Applicators: Cardboard
- Flushability Testing: Yes, ISO tests passed
Natracare conducted extensive third-party testing by the Water Research Foundation and confirmed their tampons pass flushability standards.
Seventh Generation
- Materials: 100% organic cotton
- Absorbency Range: Regular to Super
- Applicators: Cardboard
- Flushability Testing: No data available
Seventh Generation states their tampons are flushable but provides no details on testing. The 100% cotton composition improves chances but cardboard applicators may still pose issues.
Organic Essentials
- Materials: 100% organic cotton
- Absorbency Range: Light to Super
- Applicators: None
- Flushability Testing: No data available
Organic Essentials says their tampons are flushable but has no testing data available. The 100% cotton and lack of applicator are pluses for flushability.
Lola
- Materials: 100% organic cotton
- Absorbency Range: Light to Super
- Applicators: None
- Flushability Testing: No data available
Lola indicates their tampons are flushable but provides no details on testing. The 100% cotton composition and lack of applicator are good for flushability.
Cora
- Materials: Organic cotton and rayon blend
- Absorbency Range: Regular to Super
- Applicators: Plant-based plastic
- Flushability Testing: No data available
Cora states their tampons are flushable but has no flushability data available. The blend of materials and plastic applicator make flushability unlikely.
Flushability Testing
To accurately determine which tampons are most flushable, brands need to conduct flushability testing. There are two main standards for testing flushability:
- INDA Guidelines – Developed by the trade association INDA to test flushability of disposable wipes
- ISO Tests – Developed by the International Organization for Standardization for testing flushability of products
Both standards evaluate factors like toilet and sewer system clogging, disintegration, and dissolution. Testing is performed in labs using simulated toilets and sewer systems.
As of now, Natracare is the only major tampon brand that has made their flushability testing data public. They had their tampons evaluated by the Water Research Foundation using ISO testing methods and they passed.
Most Flushable Tampon Brands
Based on the above analysis, the most flushable tampon brands are:
- Natracare – The only brand that has provided third-party testing data confirming flushability. Their 100% organic cotton composition is ideal.
- Organic Essentials – No flushability testing available but their 100% organic cotton and lack of applicator make them likely to be flushable.
- Lola – Also no testing data, but the 100% organic cotton and no applicator are pluses.
Due to rayon content and plastic applicators, mainstream brands like Tampax, Playtex, and Cora seem far less likely to be flushable despite their claims.
Guidelines for Flushing Tampons
If you must flush a tampon, here are some guidelines to follow:
- Choose a 100% organic cotton tampon – Avoid rayon or synthetics.
- Select the lowest absorbency needed – Higher absorbencies swell more and clog easier.
- Consider a brand that is applicator-free – Plastic applicators won’t disintegrate.
- Never flush the applicator if it’s plastic – Even if the tampon is flushable.
- Flush just 1-2 tampons per toilet visit – Avoid overwhelming your system.
- Use a low-flow toilet if possible – Higher flow creates more mixing and dissolution.
- Flush tampons one at a time – Allow the toilet to fully empty between flushes.
- Avoid flushing tampons if you have an older home or known plumbing issues.
Following these tips improves your chances of a tampon flushing successfully. But the best practice is still to avoid flushing tampons altogether and dispose of them in the garbage instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why shouldn’t I flush tampons?
Tampons shouldn’t be flushed because they can easily clog pipes, sewer systems, and septic tanks. Most tampons don’t break down quickly enough before reaching wastewater treatment facilities. The materials and absorbency that allow them to absorb menstrual flow also causes them to expand in water pipes and contribute to clogs and blockages.
What happens if you flush tampons?
If you flush non-flushable tampons, they can get stuck in internal plumbing and home sewer lines. This can cause backups and floods. They can also accumulate in municipal sewer systems and wastewater equipment, potentially causing overflows, equipment damage, or failure. Even flushable tampons should be flushed sparingly.
Do flushable tampons break down?
Tampons marketed as flushable are designed to break into smaller pieces and partially dissolve after flushing. However, many may not fully disintegrate before reaching municipal treatment facilities. Only a few brands have publicly provided testing data to support their claims of flushability.
Are organic tampons flushable?
Some organic tampon brands claim to be flushable, but not all have supported those claims with testing data. In general, 100% organic cotton tampons without applicators have the best chance of breaking down during flushing and transit through pipes and sewers. But non-organic components like applicators may still cause issues.
Should you ever flush applicators?
No, you should never flush plastic applicators even if the tampon is flushable. Plastic applicators can easily get stuck in pipes and contribute to clogs. Cardboard applicators may technically be flushable in some cases, but they too have the potential to accumulate so it’s best to avoid flushing them.
The Bottom Line
While some tampon brands claim flushability, always check the materials and applicator before flushing. 100% organic cotton, low absorbency tampons without applicators have the best chance of flushing successfully. But even then, flushing should only be done in small amounts and infrequently. Flushing tampons, even flushable ones, comes with risks. The best practice is still to avoid flushing tampons and dispose of them in the trash instead.
