While the issue of access to menstrual hygiene in India is in a dismal state the disposal of sanitary waste in the country is equally terrible. According to a report in 2016, cited in the Clean India Journal, an estimated potential of 9000 tonnes of sanitary waste (432 million pads) is being generated annually in India. Furthermore, more than 80 per cent of this waste is either flushed down the toilet or ending up dumped in a landfill. The lack of a definite policy on menstrual waste management is both an environmental and public health hazard.

Recently the Centre, according to this report by the Deccan Herald has asked all Universities to consider the installation of sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators for women students on their campus as well as women’s hostels. In a letter to all vice-chancellors University Grants Commission (UGC) secretary Jaspal S Sandhu said that, “improper disposal of menstrual waste” was one of the major hindrances behind “achieving the Swachh Bharat Mission’s goal to create a clean India.”

As reported by the Huffington Post the UGC claims that the expenditure incurred by the University for the incinerator can be directly booked and compensated for under the solid waste management component of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The estimated cost for one set of machinery is ₹49,646. HLL Lifecare Limited, a PSU under the health ministry has already introduced sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators.

While the eco-friendliness of these incinerators remains questionable we do hope that this is the country’s first step towards making a policy for menstrual waste disposal.