Development of an Efficient Sanitary Pad Shredding and Disposal System for Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

Improper disposal of sanitary pads contributes to environmental pollution, landfill accumulation, and public health risks due to non-biodegradable materials and potential pathogen transmission. This study proposes an innovative sanitary pad shredding and incineration system designed to minimize environmental impact while ensuring safe and efficient waste management. Through laboratory experiments, prototype testing, and stakeholder surveys conducted over a 3-year period (2022–2025), we evaluated the system’s efficiency in reducing waste volume, neutralizing pathogens, and minimizing emissions. Results indicate that the proposed system achieves a 90% reduction in waste volume, 99.9% pathogen elimination, and compliance with air quality standards (PM2.5 < 25 µg/m³). Socio-economic assessments revealed that 70% of potential users (schools, hospitals, and communities) face barriers? barriers to adoption due to high initial costs and lack of awareness. We propose cost-effective scaling strategies, including subsidies and awareness campaigns, to enhance system adoption. This research underscores the potential of the shredding-incineration system to address sanitary waste challenges while promoting environmental sustainability.

Introduction

Improper disposal of sanitary pads, made mainly from non-biodegradable materials, causes significant environmental pollution and health risks worldwide, especially in developing countries like India where waste management is inadequate. Conventional disposal methods such as landfilling and open burning are unsustainable and harmful.

This study developed and tested a sanitary pad shredding and incineration system designed to reduce waste volume by 90%, neutralize pathogens effectively, and minimize harmful emissions. The system includes a mechanical shredder and a high-temperature incinerator with filtration to reduce pollutants. It was piloted in schools, hospitals, and rural communities in Nagpur, India, over three years.

Key findings include:

• Waste Reduction & Safety: The system achieved a 90% reduction in waste volume and 99.9% pathogen neutralization (no detectable E. coli or S. aureus after treatment).

• Environmental Impact: Emissions were kept within WHO air quality guidelines and the carbon footprint was 30% lower than landfilling, though energy consumption remains a concern.

• Socio-Economic Barriers: High initial costs, lack of awareness, and logistical challenges limit adoption. Surveys showed that cost subsidies and awareness programs strongly influence uptake.

• Recommendations: To increase adoption, the study suggests government subsidies, targeted awareness campaigns, integration with existing waste systems, and mobile units for rural areas.

Conclusion

The sanitary pad shredding and incineration system offers a sustainable solution for managing sanitary waste, achieving a 90% reduction in waste volume, 99.9% pathogen neutralization, and compliance with air quality standards. However, socio-economic barriers, particularly high costs and low awareness, limit scalability. Future research should focus on cost-effective designs, community-based training programs, and policy incentives to promote adoption. Integrating this system with broader waste management frameworks is critical for achieving environmental sustainability and public health goals.

References

[1] Book: Waste Management and Resource Recovery. Editor: Charles R. Rhyner. Publisher: CRC Press, 2017. ISBN: 9781498766098. [2] Book: Environmental Engineering: Principles and Practice. Editors: Richard O. Mines, Laura W. Lackey. Publisher: Wiley, 2014. ISBN: 9781118801451. [3] Research Article: “Sanitary Waste Management: Challenges and Opportunities in Developing Countries.” Authors: A. Kumar, S. Sharma. Journal of Environmental Management, 2020, 260, 110057. DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.110057. [4] Report: Global Waste Management Outlook. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 2021.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Nakul Shenode, Dilip Budhlani, Ninishreya Raut. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.