Are Incontinence Pads Biodegradable? The Truth

As you know if you read our blog often, our inspiration comes from many sources.

In this instance it was when I read this article in Nursing Times recently which estimated that ONE MILLION incontinence products are thrown away daily in the UK alone.

That is an absolutely staggering number! And with our ageing population, this number is likely to grow as it is estimated that around 14 million people in the UK have some level of incontinence at present.

If you use incontinence pads, you might be wondering whether they’re bad for the environment and if biodegradable incontinence pads are a more sustainable option. Many brands now market their products as eco-friendly, biodegradable, or compostable. But what does this actually mean, or is it just clever marketing?

The reality? Incontinence pads—biodegradable or not—are a HUGE environmental issue. In this post, we’ll explain why disposable incontinence pads are problematic, whether biodegradable pads are all they’re cracked up to be, and what eco friendly alternatives offer a genuinely sustainable solution.

'I have been using the incontinence products for years now. They work at least as well as any disposable products, probably better. They are so easy to wash in the machine and I feel so much better about having to wear them as there is no waste.' Trustpilot Review

Why Incontinence Pads Are Bad for the Environment

Incontinence pads contain plastics and absorbent materials, and can take up to 500 years to decompose, if they ever fully degrade at all.

🚨 They Contain Plastic – Most pads have layers of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester, which are non-biodegradable plastics.

🚨 They Create Huge Amounts of Waste – Millions of pads end up in landfills or incinerators every day, increasing pollution.

🚨 They Have a High Carbon Footprint – Making and transporting disposable pads uses a lot of energy and resources, increasing carbon emissions.

As people become more aware of these problems, some companies have started making biodegradable incontinence pads as a more eco-friendly option. But are they really better?

'These pads are so soft and comfortable, yet still absorbent when needed. Infinitely more comfortable to use than disposables, and of course, better for the environment. They wash well too. I rinse in cold water if necessary, then pop them in my normal wash.' Review of Cheeky Fearless Superlight pad

How Do Biodegradable Incontinence Pads Work?

Some brands claim their biodegradable pads are made from 'plant based materials' and mention bamboo fibers, or organic cotton. These pads are marketed as biodegradable materials, breaking down naturally in the environment.

However, here’s the truth:

🔸 They Can Still Contain Plastics – Some pads labeled as biodegradable still include bioplastics, often referred to as 'plant based material', which simply break down into tiny plastic pieces (microplastics) instead of fully disappearing.

🔸 They Don’t Biodegrade in Landfills – Landfills are designed to store waste, not break it down, as fast break down releases greenhouse gases. Even organic materials take a long time to decompose, and biodegradable pads just won't break down properly in these conditions (especially if contained within a plastic bin bag!)

🔸 Composting Them Isn’t Practical – Even if a pad is compostable, it usually needs high temp industrial composting facilities, which most areas don’t have. They won’t break down properly in your home compost bin and because they contain human waste, they SHOULD not be home composted.

Watch Out For Greenwashing

Many companies use misleading claims to make their products appear to have a better environmental impact. Here’s what to watch out for:

🚩 Vague “Biodegradable” Labels – If a product doesn’t say how long it takes to biodegrade or under what conditions, it’s likely not as eco-friendly as it sounds.

🚩 "Compostable" but Only in Industrial Facilities – If a pad can only break down in special composting plants, it won’t break down in normal waste systems.

🚩 Marketing That Focuses on One “Green” Feature – Some brands highlight one eco-friendly material but ignore the rest of the product, which may still contain plastic (often referred to as 'plant based material, when what they really mean is bioplastic)

At the end of the day, biodegradable incontinence pads still end up in landfills, and they don’t reduce waste or pollution in a meaningful way. Plus, disposable pads still cost money every month and can cause unpleasant smells when used.

So what’s a better option?

Alternatives to Biodegradable Incontinence Pads

If you want a truly environmentally-friendly and cost-effective option, washable incontinence products are the best choice for bladder leakage. They're made from natural fibres such as bamboo and cotton which are normally found in the gusset of your underwear.

1. Reusable Incontinence Pads

✅ Soft & Comfortable – Made from breathable fabrics that feel much nicer than plasticky disposables.

✅ Super Absorbent – Cheeky’s reusable incontinence pads are great for urinary incontinence and hold as much as disposable pads without the waste.

✅ Saves Money – Buy once and reuse for years—no more buying pads every month.

✅ Better for the Planet, minimal impact on the environment – No landfill waste, no plastic, no misleading claims.

💡 Try: Reusable Incontinence Pads – Soft, leak-proof, and long-lasting.

'Excellent. Efficient. Does what it says. Saves lots of money as it can be washed and used again and again. Saves the environment through recycling. Made of eco materials' Medium Incontinence Pad Review

2. Reusable Incontinence Pants

If you don’t want to deal with pads, reusable incontinence underwear is an easy, all-in-one solution and perfect for light to moderate incontinence, plus bowel incontinence.

✅ Feels Like Normal Underwear – No bulky pads, just pull them on and go!

✅ Discreet & Secure – No shifting, rustling, or discomfort.

✅ Different Absorbencies Available – Options for light to heavy leaks.

💡 Try: Women’s Reusable Incontinence Pants – Comfortable, discreet, and leak-proof.

For men, check out our Men’s Reusable Incontinence Pants for secure, everyday protection.

'Excellent product. Very soft on the skin and very absorbent. Much better than using the disposable ones which chafe and make me uncomfortable. Also, of course, better for the environment. I'll definitely be ordering more.' Ladies Reusable Incontinence Pad 20.5 cm mild incontinence 

Final Thoughts

Are incontinence pads biodegradable? No, because even so-called biodegradable options aren't biodegradable in landfill and still create waste.

If you want a better, more sustainable alternative, reusable incontinence pads and pants are the way to go. They’re more comfortable, save money, and don’t end up in landfill.

💚 Ready to make the switch? Drop us an email if you've got any questions, or browse our top-rated reusable incontinence products here:

🔹 Reusable Incontinence Pads – Soft, washable, and leak-proof.

🔹 Women’s Incontinence Pants – Just like normal underwear, but better!

🔹 Men’s Incontinence Solutions – Comfortable, discreet protection.

About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, internal period protection such as pads and tampons were no longer an option for her menstrual flow and she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable panty liners and reusable sanitary pads for any type of period and flow day.

The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021.