Morrisons Becomes First Supermarket To Install Male Sanitary Bins

Morrisons has made history by becoming the first major supermarket chain in the UK to implement a new toilet policy across all its stores, which includes the installation of male sanitary bins. The announcement was made on May 20, 2026, and marks a notable advancement in providing support for men dealing with incontinence, particularly those who have undergone prostate cancer treatment.

The retailer, which operates just under 500 locations throughout the UK, claims this initiative aligns with "The Bog Standard" guidelines established by phs Group and Prostate Cancer UK. These guidelines aim to educate organizations on how to offer necessary support for men facing incontinence issues. Morrisons stated that the rollout was driven by customer feedback and reflects its commitment to enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in its facilities.

Customer reactions to the announcement have been overwhelmingly positive. Many shoppers took to social media to express their support, with comments like, "Well done Morrisons," and personal stories highlighting the importance of such facilities. One customer shared, "My father needed such facilities after having a stoma for stage 4 bowel cancer; it used to be really hard to find the facilities needed. Well done Morrisons." Another added, "At last, a sensible move. In Morrisons, Bridport, a desperate guy used to put his incontinence pad down the loo. It was blocked for two days at a time. So good thinking at last." These sentiments were echoed by others who expressed gratitude for the initiative, emphasizing its significance in improving the lives of many.

The contextual background

This new policy is part of a broader trend in the retail industry aimed at improving customer experience by addressing often-overlooked needs. According to studies, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and the risk doubles to one in four for Black men. After undergoing a radical prostatectomy, as many as 60 percent of men may experience urinary incontinence. Morrisons highlighted that suitable disposal facilities in public male toilets are limited, which can lead to men avoiding everyday activities such as grocery shopping.

Prior to this initiative, Morrisons had already made strides in enhancing its facilities. In March 2026, the supermarket introduced stoma-friendly toilets across all its locations and added NHS messaging to its own-brand bath and shower products to help customers identify potential cancer symptoms early. These measures were also reported as supermarket firsts, demonstrating Morrisons' commitment to health and accessibility.

David Scott, Corporate Affairs Director at Morrisons, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "We are proud to be the first supermarket to meet The Bog Standard guidelines in every one of our stores. By listening to our customers and working closely with both organizations, we recognize the challenges many men face when living with incontinence. Providing appropriate facilities across all Morrisons stores is an important step in helping customers feel more confident and supported when out and about, and it also improves access to suitable facilities nationwide."

What's next

The rollout of male sanitary bins will not extend to Morrisons Daily convenience stores, as not all of these locations are equipped with toilet facilities. Nevertheless, the initiative is expected to serve as a model for other retailers, encouraging them to adopt similar practices. Nick Ridgman, Head of Support Services at Prostate Cancer UK, praised Morrisons' efforts, stating, "Many men need sanitary bins so they can dispose of their used pads discreetly and hygienically – but often these bins are nowhere to be found in men's loos. It's causing men stress and shame and keeping them from going out, heading to work, or even doing the things they love. Morrisons is making its stores more welcoming and accessible for every employee and customer, and we hope other companies will follow."

Ridgman also called for national policy changes to support the initiative, urging the UK Government to revise Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines to guarantee that male sanitary bins are available in public spaces. He stated, "We wholeheartedly support the Dispose with Dignity initiative and hope to see the UK Government supporting our call to change HSE guidance. This is the only way we can assure men will have access to a male sanitary bin if they're using toilets in public spaces."

Morrisons' commitment to improving customer accessibility does not stop with the installation of male sanitary bins. The supermarket has also launched Sensory Support Boxes, developed in partnership with the National Autistic Society, to assist customers with autism in enhancing their shopping experience. This initiative, along with the recent toilet policy changes, showcases Morrisons' dedication to addressing the diverse needs of its customer base.

As the initiative rolls out, it is anticipated that other retailers will take notice and may follow suit in implementing similar measures to support men with incontinence. The positive reception from customers and advocacy groups alike suggests a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive facilities in public spaces. The move supports individual dignity and reinforces the notion that every customer deserves access to appropriate amenities.

In a statement, Matthew Brabin, CEO of phs Group, remarked, "We developed our male incontinence bins at the request of men who have experienced prostate cancer, and we are proud to be the only organization to develop sanitary bins for men, in consultation with Prostate Cancer UK supporters. We thank Morrisons for leading the way in its sector by installing bins in every supermarket across the UK, and we hope other household names will follow to support men living with incontinence." This sentiment captures the broader implications of Morrisons' decision, which may pave the way for more inclusive policies across various sectors.