Disposing of an ostomy pouch is easy peasy. Most, if not all, manufacturers include disposal bags with the packaging when you buy a box of ostomy pouches. Those bags are perfect for disposing of your used ostomy pouch as well as any wrappers or trash from your pouch change. Just put everything in the bag, tie a knot at the top, and put it in the trash.
If you’re worried about it smelling up the room you can take it straight to your outdoor trashcan, though most of the disposable bags are actually pretty odor resistant. If you are still concerned about the smell, or have to hold on to the old ostomy pouch for a while before you get to a trashcan, there are attachments you can purchase that clip on to the back of a 2-piece system pouch, keeping all of the effluent and odor in the used ostomy pouch. Many people with colostomies use closed-end pouches and change them when they get full, putting the used one in a disposable bag and tossing it in the trash.
If you don’t have any of the bags that come with your supplies, you can use a zip lock or any other type of bag that you can seal or tie off (mostly for scent). Technically you could ditch your used pouch in your regular trash without bagging it first, but like baby diapers, the smell might permeate your house. Using a dark bag is a more discreet way to dispose of your ostomy pouch, especially handy if you have to make a change on vacation, in public, or while you’re at friend’s house. Some people carry dog poop bags which would probably work just fine as well.
Going through a lot of closed-end pouches means a lot in a landfill. There are some cool flushable products out there that you can use to help lesson your carbon footprint and potentially save money on supplies.
