About BINS4Blokes

We have three key objectives:

To get more incontinence product disposal bins installed in male public toilets Australia-wide

To encourage men and boys with incontinence to get help

To raise awareness about how common incontinence is and the impacts of incontinence

We’ll use traditional and social media, work directly with our key stakeholders (such as providers of toilets in public spaces) and broaden our reach through the networks of our supporting organisations.

Men need incontinence bins too

Bins for hygiene products are considered a given in women’s toilets these days. But what about men’s toilets? If you ask the majority of the population they would scratch their head and say,

“why would a man need an incontinence bin?”

More than 2.4 million Australian boys and men live with incontinence (2023).

Installation of incontinence product disposal bins helps men and boys with incontinence to get out and about. For boys and men who use incontinence products, there are very few or no places for them to throw them out. This can make them want to stay put, not wanting to leave their homes and join in everyday activities.

Men need incontinence bins too – Find out more about incontinence in our Frequently Asked Questions

A study of Australian men with urinary incontinence found:

57%

intentionally kept incontinence hidden from those close to them

50%

avoided situations where they could not access a toilet easily

28%

avoid socialising, except with close family and friends

“My biggest fear was that my friends would find out. Eventually when I was 17, they did, and the taunts and bullying started.”

Matt (lives with bedwetting)

Incontinence can reduce quality of life

People living with incontinence can feel isolated, they may avoid joining in social, work and leisure activities. For many this causes psychological distress and mental health issues. When the Foundation surveyed doctors (GPs), 69% stated men never or rarely spoke about continence issues in their appointments.

There is a clear link between incontinence and depression, with an Australian review finding that between 20 and 43% of people who live with incontinence, may also have depression.

Help for mental health support is available at beyond blue, www.beyondblue.org.au 1300 22 4636.

Find out more about the causes of incontinence in our Frequently Asked Questions

View FAQs