Continence aids help manage the symptoms of poor bladder and bowel control. They may be used for a short time during treatment or long term if poor bladder or bowel control can’t be cured. Continence products include absorbent pads and pants, bed pads and chair pads. The majority of continence products sold are disposable and are going to landfill after a single use.Single-use products in continence care have become ‘the norm’ despite their significant environmental impact. Are sustainable continence products a realistic option? How do we minimise the waste produced by absorbents?

Patient advocates, urologists and nurses can learn more about the environmental impact of single-use products and what can be done to minimise it.