Disposal of a Used Colostomy Pouch Should be Safe for Everyone
A recent evaluation carried out by Jeanette Berry (Clinical Nurse Specialist, Stoma Care) formerly at the British Colostomy Association examined ‘how ostomates discard their ostomy pouches in the UK’ and found disturbing practices.
Some of the comments on pouch disposal from ostomates included:-
“Whilst I go on holiday I put my used stoma pouches in dog bins.”
“When I go out with friends I put my dirty stoma bags in the car and dispose of them when I get home.”
“I feel I cannot stay with friends anymore – I’m too embarrassed. I have recently bought a burner and intend to incinerate them in the garden.”
“I put it in my handbag. I’m too embarrassed to walk out with a bag in my hand.”
“I would prefer to flush down the toilet than storing the bags for fortnightly disposal.”
Other general comments included:-
“I do not like the thought of even one contaminated bag contributing to landfill sites, so would be interested in alternatives.”
“Emptying the pouch is an unpleasant job as my eye sight is failing.”
“Gents public toilets, especially at airports, have no disposal unit. I have to use disabled facilities.”
Other issues for pouch disposal for ostomates include:-
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Lack of proper disposal facilities
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Inadequate rubbish storage
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High rise flats (disposal chutes)
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Poor collection services - often every two weeks, which can lead to infestations of flies, maggots and rats.
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