Reusable, environmentally-friendly period products

Free period products

We're supporting a Period Dignity Community Initiative in partnership with social enterprise Hey Girls. The project addresses period poverty and plastic waste by providing free reusable plastic-free period products to Belfast residents aged 16 and over. The free period packs are made from organic cotton and OEKO-TEX bamboo.

As part of a pilot, the products were initially provided in council-owned facilities. The opportunity to share the products was then extended to social supermarkets, foodbanks and other community and voluntary sector partners.

If you live in Belfast, you can sign up to get free reusable, non-plastic period products. 

Reusable Period Product Scheme Video

This video is one minute and 18 seconds long.

Period waste

Every year, the disposal of single-use menstrual products like tampons, pads and applicators generates 200,000 tonnes of waste in the UK. 

Single-use menstrual products usually contain plastic. Some can be made of up to 90 per cent plastic.

Each household in Belfast produces almost four kilograms of hygiene product waste on average every year. This waste goes straight to landfill.

Benefits of reusable period products

Reusable period products are better for the environment than single-use products, which often contain large amounts of plastic.

You wash and reuse your reusable period products, rather than single-use products going to landfill.

This can also save money on period products. Recent research shows periods can cost a person up to £492 a year.

How to order home packs of reusable period products

The scheme is open to all residents living in the Belfast City Council area. You can order these free products from the Hey Girl's website (link opens in new window). Orders will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Terms and conditions for ordering reusable period products

• Only one home pack will be allowed per email address.
• You must live within the boundaries of the Belfast City Council area.
• You must be aged 16 or older, or your parent or legal guardian can apply for you. If they apply on your behalf, we will use our discretion on how many packs will be allowed for the household.
• From the date you order a pack, it may take six to eight weeks before you receive it.
• The scheme will run on a first-come, first-served basis.
• The scheme is subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time.
• Participation in this scheme is considered a one-off and does not constitute any commitment to future support.
• If we can’t fulfil your order, we will email you within 28 days of you making the order.
• We reserve the right to limit the number of items per household.
• To opt out at any time, email environmentaloutreach@belfastcity.gov.uk.

Read our privacy notice for this scheme.