Morrisons has become the first major supermarket chain in the UK to install sanitary bins in men's toilets across all its stores. The retailer, which operates nearly 500 sites nationwide, says the move aims to support men living with incontinence, including those who have undergone prostate cancer treatment.
The initiative meets 'The Bog Standard' criteria, established by phs Group and Prostate Cancer UK. Morrisons says the changes were prompted by customer feedback and its commitment to improving accessibility and inclusive facilities. The bins are available in all Morrisons supermarkets but not in its convenience stores, as not all Morrisons Daily branches have toilet facilities.
Shoppers have praised the move online, with one customer writing: 'My father needed such facilities after having a stoma for stage 4 bowel cancer. Well done Morrisons.' Another commented: 'At last, a sensible move... So good thinking at last.'
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, we recognise the challenges many men face when living with incontinence.'
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.' He urged other companies to follow Morrisons' lead and called on the UK Government to change HSE guidance.
The announcement follows Morrisons' introduction of stoma-friendly toilets in March and NHS messaging on its own-brand bath and shower products to help spot cancer symptoms. The supermarket also launched Sensory Support Boxes for customers with autism in partnership with the National Autistic Society.
