Morrisons became the first supermarket in the UK to introduce male sanitary bins in customer toilets across all of its stores in May, completing a nationwide rollout that the retailer said meets The Bog Standard guidelines.
The company, which has just under 500 stores across the country, announced the installation earlier this year. By completing the rollout, Morrisons said it became the first supermarket to meet The Bog Standard guidelines, designed by phs Group and Prostate Cancer UK to educate organisations on providing essential support for men with incontinence, including many who have had life-saving prostate cancer treatment.
Customer feedback drove the rollout
Morrisons said it set its sights on the rollout following customer feedback, "alongside its broader commitment to continuously improving accessibility and inclusive facilities for all customers." The retailer previously introduced stoma-friendly toilets across all its supermarkets in March this year, as well as new NHS messaging on its own-brand bath and shower products to help more people spot possible cancer symptoms as early as possible — both of which were said to be supermarket firsts.
Before that, the brand also introduced Sensory Support Boxes developed in consultation with the National Autistic Society in stores to improve the shopping experience of those with autism.
Impact on men with incontinence
One in eight men will get prostate cancer, and the risk doubles to one in four for black men, Morrisons says. However, it can be effectively tackled if found early, so early diagnosis is key. As many as 60% of men who have a radical prostatectomy (the surgical removal of the whole prostate and the prostate cancer cells inside it) may experience urinary incontinence.
Morrisons says suitable disposal facilities in public male toilets continue to be limited, causing men to miss out on everyday activities. The rollout does not apply to its convenience stores, as not all Morrisons Dailys have toilets.
Reactions and next steps
David Scott, Corporate Affairs Director at Morrisons, said at the time: "We are proud to be the first supermarket to meet The Bog Standard guidelines in every one of our stores. By listening to our customers and working closely with both organisations, we recognise the challenges many men face when living with incontinence."
"Providing appropriate facilities across all Morrisons stores is an important step in helping customers feel more confident and supported when out and about, while also improving access to suitable facilities nationwide."
Nick Ridgman, Head of Support Services at Prostate Cancer UK, said: "Many men need sanitary bins so they can dispose of their used pads discreetly and hygienically – but often these bins are nowhere to be found in men's loos. It's causing men stress and shame and keeping them from going out, heading to work or even doing the things they love."
"Morrisons is making its stores more welcoming and accessible for every employee/customer and we hope other companies will follow. We wholeheartedly support the Dispose with Dignity initiative and hope to see the UK Government supporting our call to change HSE guidance. This is the only way we can ensure men will have access to a male sanitary bin if they’re using toilets in public spaces."
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said it did not have a statement on the issue when approached at the time.
