Belfast City Council Relaunch Reusable Period Product Giveaway

Following a hugely successful pilot in 2022, Belfast City Council has announced the return of a free reusable period product giveaway.

The Council has once again teamed up with social enterprise 'Hey Girls', who produce environmentally friendly period products, to encourage the use of reusable, plastic-free period products.

When the pilot scheme was first launched in March last year, it attracted more than 3,000 applications in less than 24 hours.

A recent survey among those who signed up to the scheme found that 86% have now reduced their use of single use period products and 72% rated the products as very good to excellent.

The first of its kind to be trialled in the UK, the scheme was initially launched to help reduce the amount of period waste going to landfill.

Across the UK, it's estimated that single use period products such as tampons, pads and applicators generate 200,000 tonnes of landfill waste each year.

Available to residents living in the Belfast City Council area, the scheme helps reduce the levels of plastic in our waste stream as some single use period items can be made of  90% plastic.

Chair of Belfast City Council's People and Communities Committee, Councillor Micky Murray said: "Introducing small changes to all aspects of our everyday lives with a focus on tackling environmental issues can have such a positive impact. It's something we are all beginning to think about more and more as we witness the effects of climate change. And the amount of plastic within single use period products is staggering.

"It's so important to raise awareness about what options are available and this scheme is a great opportunity for residents to try some of these products for themselves.

"I'm really pleased that Belfast City Council is leading the way on this issue and helping to normalise the use of reusable period products and challenge some of the stigmas that exist.

"It's fantastic to be running the scheme again following the success of our initial pilot, to support residents living in the Belfast City Council area."

The 'Hey Girls' home packs will be provided and delivered free of charge. Each home pack is reusable, biodegradable and contains products made from environmentally friendly materials such as sustainable oeko-tex bamboo and 100% organic cotton.

For further information on how to apply, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/free-period-products

Belfast City Council is also working to address issues in relation to period poverty. In 2022, members agreed to the roll out of another pilot project in council offices and some community centres across the city, including leisure centres and council-owned buildings.