I use a Diva Cup myself, but it's the same difference - never mind composting, all women should just use these babies! So much more convenient, clean, comfy (once you get used to it) and soooooooooooo much better for the planet! Mmm...picture a world without discarded feminine hygiene products. Nice!

For those allergic to rubber-the Diva cup is made out of silicone...

Gladrags.com is a good source for the diva cup, the keeper cup, sea sponges (?), and cotton pads.  They have long pads for overnight use, and both day and night versions are adaptable for light or heavy flow.  No big extra expenditure on water-- just toss them in the laundry.  I've used them for years (admittedly as a supplement to tampons) and they wear well.  Also very useful as daily insurance for us older women whose cycles are becoming less and less predictable, and I guess for teenagers who are ditto.  Wear them under your white pants!

My Two Cents: I crochet my pads from organic cotton, and add a layer of terry cloth or two layers of flannel, and sew them up.
I wash them out (yes, ewww, it's no groser than diapers) and hang them on the line.
I used to use bleach, but that's not good for me or the environment, so now I just soak them in lavendar soap.
It works for me, and I feel good about not adding to the local landfill. (I figured each woman uses something like 4,000 maxis in her lifetime.)

Lunapads.com is also a great source for the Diva Cup, Sea Sponges and washable pads of the regular and organic cotton variety.

I appreciated this piece Umbra, a great read. Thanks for demystifying the "taboo" and just calling this as it is.