Morrisons has announced a significant change across its public toilets nationwide, becoming the first UK supermarket chain to install sanitary bins in men's restrooms. The move, revealed on May 20, aims to support men living with incontinence, particularly those who have undergone treatment for prostate cancer.
New Facilities for Dignity and Accessibility
The supermarket has fitted specially designed sanitary bins in all its stores, meeting the newly established 'The Bog Standard' guidelines developed by Personnel Hygiene Services (PHS) Group and Prostate Cancer UK. These guidelines help organisations provide appropriate support for men managing incontinence, ensuring they can dispose of used pads discreetly and hygienically.
Morrisons says the initiative is intended to improve accessibility, confidence, and dignity for shoppers experiencing male incontinence, helping them avoid missing out on everyday activities like grocery shopping. Research from PHS Group reveals that over a third of men (34%) have stopped doing their food shopping due to the lack of suitable facilities.
Part of a Broader Commitment to Inclusivity
This announcement follows Morrisons' recent introduction of stoma-friendly toilets in all its supermarkets in March 2026, as well as NHS messaging on its own-brand bath and shower products to help spot cancer symptoms early. In 2025, the retailer also introduced Sensory Support Boxes in every branch, developed with the National Autistic Society, to improve the shopping experience for people with autism.
Earlier this year, athlete and former semi-pro footballer Joe Appiah, diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2021, appeared on Good Morning Britain to discuss male incontinence. He stated that having bins would have boosted his confidence when dealing with incontinence after diagnosis.
Health Context and Campaign Support
One in eight men will develop prostate cancer, with the risk rising to one in four for black men. Early detection allows successful treatment, but up to 60% of men who undergo radical prostatectomy may experience urinary incontinence. Morrisons' initiative is part of the wider 'Dispose with Dignity' campaign by PHS Group and Prostate Cancer UK, which seeks to enhance access to sanitary disposal facilities for men.
David Scott, Corporate Affairs Director at Morrisons, stated: '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.'
Nick Ridgman, Head of Support Services at Prostate Cancer UK, commented: '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.'
Matthew Brabin, CEO of PHS Group, added: 'We developed our male incontinence bins at the request of men who have experienced prostate cancer, and we are proud to be the only organisation to develop sanitary bins for men, in consultation with Prostate Cancer UK supporters. We thank Morrisons for leading the way in its sector by installing bins in every supermarket across the UK, and we hope other household names will follow to support men living with incontinence. It is unfair that men miss out on everyday activities because a simple sanitary bin is not available in a toilet cubicle. That is what we set out to change, and that is what Morrisons is changing today.'
