Sanitary bins introduced in male toilets

An initiative providing sanitary bins in men's toilets to help those who experience incontinence has been introduced in Cornwall.

Cancer charity Lingen Davies launched the Bins for Boys scheme in November 2024 and aims to have the bins in as many places as possible for those who have had cancer and use a stoma bag or incontinence pads.

Liskeard Town Council said it was "proud" to be the first location in Cornwall to support the scheme which was "a simple but important step towards improving dignity, accessibility, and inclusion" in its facilities at the Public Hall.

According to the NHS, diseases such as prostate or bowel cancer often mean people have to use the toilet several times a day.

The authority said for some men, the lack of suitable disposal facilities could make going out difficult or even prevent them from doing so.

It said by providing a "discreet, hygienic way to dispose of these products" is a small change that can make a "big difference to confidence, dignity, and quality of life".

The council said the initiative was championed by deputy mayor Sylvia Berry, who came up with the idea for the town and hoped to roll-out the service to other facilities in Liskeard.

Newcourt Community Centre in Exeter, Devon was the first venue in south-west England to join the scheme.

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