If you've ever wished for one of those feminine hygiene disposal units at home, here's one solution designed by Julie Hautop-Piccinin in Australia.

'The unit is a cylindrical device that uses a compression rod system to push and lift used pads and tampons into the empty cavity within the rod. The empty cavity within the rod is enclosed with a disposable plastic bag that has been impregnated with anti-bacterial agents for storage of used sanitary products.'

You have to empty it yourself, but general ickiness has been minimised. Once you put the used napkin/tampon in, the bag is automatically shut. When it's full, you knot the bag for discreet disposal. The anti-bacterial impregnated bag has even got lavender essence in it - I imagine for both scent and additional anti-bacterial benefits. The creator also has the admirable aim of reducing landfill through compressing the size of sanitary items.

At A$85 it's a bit expensive, but I would seriously consider getting one, if I knew where to get it (and if replacement bags were easy to get hold of abroad).

From ABC The New Inventors.