Morrisons has become the first supermarket chain in the UK to implement a new toilet rule across all of its nearly 500 stores. The retailer announced on May 20 that it had completed the installation of male sanitary bins in customer toilets at every one of its supermarkets, making it the first grocery chain to meet The Bog Standard guidelines.
Meeting The Bog Standard Guidelines
The Bog Standard guidelines were designed by phs Group and Prostate Cancer UK to educate organisations on providing essential support for men with incontinence, including many who have undergone life-saving prostate cancer treatment. Morrisons stated that the rollout followed customer feedback and its broader commitment to continuously improving accessibility and inclusive facilities for all customers.
Previous Accessibility Initiatives
Before this move, Morrisons introduced stoma-friendly toilets across all its supermarkets in March. It also added new NHS messaging on its own-brand bath and shower products to help people spot possible cancer symptoms earlier. Both were hailed as supermarket firsts. Additionally, the brand introduced Sensory Support Boxes developed with the National Autistic Society to improve the shopping experience for customers with autism.
Prostate Cancer Statistics
According to Morrisons, one in eight men will get prostate cancer, and the risk doubles to one in four for Black men. However, the disease is curable if found early, making early diagnosis critical. As many as 60% of men who undergo a radical prostatectomy may experience urinary incontinence. Despite this, suitable disposal facilities in public male toilets remain limited, causing men to miss out on everyday activities.
Scope of the Rollout
The rollout applies to all Morrisons supermarkets but does not extend to its convenience stores, as not all Morrisons Daily locations have toilets.
Company and Charity Reactions
David Scott, corporate affairs director at Morrisons, said: “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, added: “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 and 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.”
