BUSINESSES and public buildings across Barnsley could install sanitary bins in men’s toilets thanks to a national campaign which has received local backing.
Barnsley Council pledged its support to the Boys Need Bins campaign, which was discussed at yesterday’s full council meeting.
Having been put forward by Councillor Will Fielding and seconded by Coun Hannah Kitching, fellow members vowed to work towards securing funding over the next financial year.
Around one in three men over 65 will experience urinary incontinence issues, while one in 20 men aged 60 and over will experience bowel incontinence, according to charity Prostate Cancer UK.
Couns Fielding and Kitching said: “Bladder and bowel incontinence is a very common but little acknowledged or discussed health issue amongst men, particularly older men, in the UK.
“Bladder and bowel incontinence are common side effects of cancer treatment; 60 per cent of those treated for prostate cancer experience urinary leakage as a result.
“Men who need to dispose of their sanitary waste, such as soiled incontinence pads, are often unable to do so, because there are no sanitary bins in male toilets.
“This can lead to anxiety and social isolation.
“Making life more comfortable and dignified for those who suffer such problems is of great importance, and easy access to sanitary waste bins could assist with this.”
According to Prostate Cancer UK, 98 per cent of people surveyed want new legislation to be created for at least one male sanitary bin in toilets.
A council statement added: “We will commit to exploring the possibility of providing sanitary bins in all council owned toilets so that continence waste products can be disposed of in a discreet and hygienic manner.
“The chief executive, Sarah Norman, will work with relevant council officers to explore flexibility within the existing sanitary waste bin contract, and work to identify appropriate funding streams in order to roll out the provision of these bins in male toilets over the next financial year.
“We will work with partners and local businesses in the town to encourage them to also provide sanitary bin facilities in their male toilets.”
