Many think this trend will continue as many states have now repealed the sales tax for feminine products and there is a big push via activists and college campus activism.
Currently, there are
numerous colleges and universities with students lobbying for free products, or are piloting or implementing free distribution of products.
The list includes Northwestern, UCLA, Grinnell College, University of Arizona, Columbia, University of Nebraska at Lincoln and Emory College, to name a few.
It may be just a matter of time before legislation in other states is passed. If you are not currently in a mandated facility, you should
consider the public relations benefits of offering complimentary feminine hygiene products.
Many see sanitary pads and tampons as a basic necessary, just as stocking toilet paper and soap. In that regard, many
sports facilities, shelters and businesses see it as good business to provide complimentary products.
Information on costs is varied. The estimate for New York City is about $100,000 to $250,000 annually per school district. The non-profit “Free the Tampons” campaign estimates the
cost of stocking restrooms to be $4.67 per woman per year.
Others speculate the cost of supplying free products will offset the current expenses of machine vandalism.
How are facilities making these products available?
In some school districts, girls can just ask the school nurse. In other educational facilities and office buildings, decorative baskets are placed in the restroom with a note to use only what is needed. Additionally, some current vending machines have been converted from coin-operated to free.
Interested in pursuing free distribution? Ask us about how
we can convert your coin-operated vending machines for free dispensing.
