Skip to main content
Initiatives

Sanitary pad dispensers

Free and 100% biodegradable

In September 2024, the Politecnico di Milano installed, for the first time on an experimental basis, dispensers of free and 100% biodegradable sanitary pads across all its campuses

The purpose of the initiative in the university context

The protection of the intimate sphere of people with cycles has a strong impact on the quality of life in places of study or work. In fact, the initiative was born with the aim of responding to the need to have menstrual products available on a daily basis, so as to ensure every person health conditions, well-being and equal opportunities. In addition, the measure is aimed at combating menstrual poverty. 

In Italy, basic necessities are taxed at 4%, and sanitary pads at 10%. 

The aim is also to raise awareness of the issue of menstruation, which is an intrinsic and unavoidable condition, but often still stigmatized.

Where are they located?  

The university has installed 58 sanitary pad dispensers across the Leonardo and Bovisa campuses, and in the territorial centers of Lecco, Piacenza, Mantova, and Cremona. The dispensers are situated near the restrooms in most campus buildings. Additionally, they have been deliberately placed outside the restroom areas to ensure accessibility for all people with menstrual cycles.

Visit the dispensers map

Table of the dispenser locations

Who promoted the initiative and why?

The idea of installing free sanitary pad dispensers at the Politecnico di Milano was initiated by the student body and the CUG. The project was presented to the Guarantee Act Committee at the beginning of 2024, and the installation of the dispensers became permanent in the summer of the same year. 

The Politecnico di Milano is the third Italian university to establish a well-structured and organized network of menstrual hygiene products, freely accessible to everyone who frequents its spaces. The realization of the initiative was made possible thanks to the support of Rector Donatella Sciuto, Vice Rector for Sustainability Alessandro Perego, the Guarantee Act Committee, the Supplies & Facility Management Area of the University, and the Student Council.

Your feedback is important to us

The plan started as a pilot project for Fall 2024 and will be carefully monitored to become a permanent measure. Therefore, we need your input on the project. Let us know by filling out this form. Anyone can complete it; you do not need to have used the sanitary pad service.

Go to the form