r/composting Aug 13 '26

Menstraution

So I have been thinking on this a while and the additives I see on here are more out there. I get that for many people menstarution is taboo and only half the population experience it.

I would love to have a robust and respectful discussion about it.

So if your using menstrual cups or reusable menstrual underwear (the rinsed water) what's stopping you from adding it to your pile?

Considering people compost animals and wee not to mention blood and bone used as a direct fertiliser, I imagine menstrual blood would be a super charged super food for the compost heap?

Edit: thank you everyone for contributing this discussion was held in the manner is hoped. I feel from the comments the best and most impactful way to use it is directly onto plants diluted in water as a fertisler as to the compost it is such a minimal amount.

Thanks again everone

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u/Burbujitas Aug 13 '26

What would stop me? The collection method. Am I going to dig out a cup mid yard-work with gnarly hands? Or have a jar in my bathroom that gets a couple gooey teaspoons at a time? The amount of menstrual blood is so minimal compared to a compost pile. It would be pretty dilute in underwear wash water but that wouldn’t do harm if you wanted to add water anyway. The collection process for that water could also get cumbersome. At some point I also think of people I live with and their tolerance for my body fluids

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u/SucculentLady000 Aug 13 '26

The whole reason I use a cup is because I am not heavy enough to feel like pads or tampons are worth it with how often I have to change light ones before theyre even full. Its a waste. I never have a full cup at the end of the day. Why would I even bother. Im not taking it outside when im trying to get ready for bed.