Shopping centres across Australia are playing a vital role in supporting men and boys living with incontinence and promoting their health and wellbeing, by installing incontinence product disposal bins in male toilets. These bins are helping men and boys to get out and about and engage in everyday activities with greater confidence and dignity.
Incontinence is a common condition experienced by more than 2.4 million Australian males, including 36% under the age of 50. Due to a lack of understanding about incontinence, many people with incontinence find it hard to talk about it and get help. Despite its prevalence, incontinence remains underreported due to the associated stigma, leading to social isolation, embarrassment, and reduced quality of life.
BINS4Blokes was launched in 2020 by Continence Health Australia to promote the installation of incontinence product disposal bins in male public toilets, Australia wide.
Why BINS4Blokes matters
During World Continence Week and Men’s Health Week this June, BINS4Blokes are turning the spotlight to a condition that impacts boys and men and is rarely talked about. For many a lack of safe, discreet disposal options for incontinence products can stop people from participating in work, social activities, or even simple outings like shopping.
“Incontinence product disposal bins in male public toilets can encourage men and boys to get out, significantly improving their quality of life,” said Jim Cooper, CEO of Continence Health Australia.
BINS4Blokes aims to change that by making public toilets more accessible and supportive.
Shopping centres leading the way
Shopping centres, as central community spaces, are uniquely placed to support the BINS4Blokes campaign — and many already have.
Stockland Wendouree introduced incontinence product disposal bins following direct customer feedback.
“The integration of the bins in our centre is a small effort to help make a significant difference to the privacy and dignity of our customers,” says Centre Manager Jeanette Henwood.
Other participating shopping centres include Grafton Shoppingworld (NSW), Caneland Shopping Centre (QLD), Mount Pleasant Centre (QLD), and Cooleman Court (ACT). Major venues such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Perth Airport, and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre have also embraced the initiative — demonstrating that inclusion belongs in all public spaces.
Continence Health Australia’s call to action
Continence Health Australia is urging more shopping centres across Australia to support the BINS4Blokes campaign. With their central location and accessible amenities, shopping centres are ideally positioned to play a pivotal role in the BINS4blokes campaign. By offering appropriate disposal facilities, shopping centres can ensure that shoppers are supported with dignity.
“At Cooleman Court, we’re proud to be part of the BINS4Blokes initiative,” says Alexa Arnott, Regional Portfolio Manager. “We’ve installed dedicated bins in our male toilets, added clear signage and linked our facilities to the National Public Toilet Map, to help shopping patrons locate the bins. We believe inclusive, hygienic amenities are essential to community wellbeing.”
As the momentum grows more shopping centres are joining the BINS4Blokes campaign.
Chrystal Browning, Retail Manager at Grafton Shoppingworld and a BINS4Blokes supporter said: “It’s not just about what consumers buy anymore; it’s about the overall experience. Today’s customers value spaces that reflect inclusivity, health, and dignity.”
Making BINS4Blokes visible
To help increase awareness about the location of the bins, BINS4Blokes offers free downloadable posters and signage for supporters which can be displayed in male public toilets to help men and boys find them easily.
Locations equipped with incontinence product disposal bins can also be added to the National Public Toilet Map — a free, Government funded online resource and app which provides details about where over 24,000 public toilets are located across Australia.
The impact: A small change makes a big difference
The installation of incontinence product disposal bins may seem like a small step, but it has a profound impact. It signals that men and boys living with incontinence are seen, respected, and supported.
Jim Cooper highlights the importance of talking about incontinence: “Incontinence is part of life for many men and boys. By installing bins in shopping centre toilets, we can help break the stigma, encourage open discussions, and ensure that support is available to help men and boys who are living with incontinence.”
Moving forward – A bin at a time
The BINS4Blokes initiative is a practical, affordable, and inclusive solution that can improve the everyday lives of millions of Australians. As more shopping centres join the movement, they’re not just improving amenities — they’re creating environments where all shopping patrons feel welcome, valued, and safe.
It’s time to lift the lid on male incontinence — one bin at a time.
For more information, visit bins4blokes.org.au or email: info@bins4blokes.org.au
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