Menstrual Waste Management: Identifying the Influencing Factors that Govern the Disposal Method of Menstrual Waste in the Household Sector, Ahmedabad

Menstrual waste disposal is a necessary element in household solid waste management. The reasons behind this are the material used (up to 90% plastic) in the sanitary products and the biological composition of menstrual waste. If not correctly handled, these two factors devastate the health and the environment in the long run. Therefore, factors that govern the disposal become essential in managing the waste. The paper intended to identify the behavioral patterns responsible for and influence the disposal process of menstrual waste in a certain way. A comparative study of multiple scientific studies has been conducted to conduct this research, and results have been analyzed based on a survey. The study identifies that most women use sanitary napkins more than other products due to ease and comfort in using and disposing of them, and most educated women also need to gain knowledge of the product and its adverse effects because it is hardly discussed. Myths are the most important governing factor. It is necessary to create awareness of all kinds of information related to menstrual products and waste disposal. Social media and television, as widely accessible platforms, can become effective mediators for educating people about the same, especially in reaching a larger audience and dispelling myths.