Restroom Care: Museum Ends Plumbing Problems

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At the Museum of Science in Boston, plumbing problems, usually the result of sanitary napkin disposal, were ongoing.

Mike McNeil, in charge of the building’s maintenance, says “Clogged pipes due to sanitary napkin disposal were a constant challenge for us.”

McNeil theorized that one reason women prefer to dispose of sanitary napkins in toilets is because they do not like to touch conventional disposal units.

“It bothers many users; they know it is not sanitary to touch the lids,” he says.

To rectify the problem, McNeil turned to Cannon Hygiene, which makes hands-free dispensers and also services the units, replacing used dispensers with fresh and sanitary units on a set schedule.

One system is foot-pedal operated, and the other uses an infrared sensor—the lid automatically opens and closes as needed.

“Women tell us they really like [the units],” says McNeil. “And we have noticed our calls to the plumber have dropped significantly since we installed them.”