Sex toys can be recycled but a lot of people are reluctant to recycle them because of the social stigma surrounding them. Many people also don’t know how to dispose of them in a safe manner.
Some people choose to put them in the trash or recycling bin but this is not a good idea because sorters may deem sterilized toys and their deconstructed parts as contaminants and throw them away.
Dispose of them as regular waste
If you’re looking for an environmentally conscious way to dispose of a sex toy, the best option is to recycle it. It’s easy enough to do. You can simply put it in your curb-side recycling bin, provided it’s not a battery-powered device. These toys, such as vibrators and dildos, are considered e-waste in many states and can cause serious damage if they end up in landfill. Fortunately, Australia’s new sexual wellness brand NORMAL has just launched the first national sex toy trade-in program.
However, if you’re planning on recycling your sex toys, it’s important to know that they aren’t all created equal. Many sex toys are made from materials that can’t be recycled at your curb-side recycling facility, including silicone and ABS plastic. Moreover, some types of glass, like borosilicate glass, aren’t recyclable at all. As a result, it’s important to check with your local recycling center before throwing your sex toys away.
Another problem with sex toys is that they’re often sourced from non-biodegradable materials, such as PVC, which releases harmful chemicals when it breaks down. These chemicals are then absorbed into the human body, which can affect the reproductive system and lead to cancer. The good news is that there are several ways to minimize your sex toy waste, including using non-porous materials, boiling electric sex toys and sterilizing them in the shower or bathtub – This piece is a distillation of the portal team’s collective wisdom https://sexholes.com.
Disassemble them
Regardless of what type of sex toy you have, it’s always best to clean it thoroughly after use. The tiny holes found on porous sex toys can be breeding grounds for bacteria, germs and fungus. These can lead to serious infection, especially for people with compromised immune systems or those who are already ill. To avoid this, you should wash them with a gentle antibacterial soap and water before and after each use. You can also sanitize most non-porous sex toys by boiling them for about three minutes. However, you must remove any batteries or motor from these toy before boiling.
You should also take care to dispose of any lubes, massagers and other accessories with your sex toy. The best way to do this is by taking it to an electrical recycling center. These centers are designed to handle electronic waste, and they will recycle your sex toys without harming the environment. In addition, these centers offer a safe way to dispose of your toys in the event that you accidentally lose or misplace them.
In addition to recycling your sex toys, you can also reduce your carbon footprint by purchasing toys that are made with longevity in mind. This includes LELO products, which are designed to last for years or decades. This is the best option for anyone who wants to minimize their environmental impact and buy sex toys with a sense of responsibility.
Disguise their appearance
As the sex toy industry grows, there is an increasing need for responsible disposal methods. Yet many eco-conscious makers and retailers gloss over the issue of toy recycling. They often stress that their toys are designed to last, so users can use them for years. But, according to sexologist Carol Queen, this hand-waving isn’t enough.
In the UK, sex toys that vibrate or oscillate are considered electrical items, and therefore must be disposed of as such. Some local councils have specialised centres for the disposal of these items. Search your council’s website to find one.
Those looking to hide their sex toys in plain sight can take advantage of some smart storage tricks. Some nightstands, cabinets or chests of drawers come with a pre-installed locking drawer. These are great for storing valuables like jewelry, but can also be used to store a wrapped dildo.
If you have a dildo made from non-porous material, such as silicone, you can sterilize it by bleaching or boiling. This is important if you plan to rehome your sex toy because dirty toys can harbor germs and bacteria that could make the recipient ill. Additionally, the toy might pick up other bodily fluids from other people and transfer them to the next user. Moreover, if it’s contaminated by lube or other chemicals it might not be recycled at all.
Take them to a public recycling centre
Like computers, TVs, iPods, and printers, sex toys can be recycled. However, they are not as common as pop cans and glass bottles. As a result, they are usually tossed in landfills and wreak environmental havoc there. They may leak chemicals into the soil, or they can be reabsorbed into groundwater. These chemicals can also run off into streams and rivers, where they affect drinking water and plant life.
Sex toys are often considered biohazards, which means that most recycling programs won’t process them. This is especially true for battery operated sex toys, since they’re often contaminated by sexual fluids. Additionally, they can be uncomfortable and difficult for recycling sorters to handle.
Fortunately, there are a few places where you can recycle your sex toys. For example, Ann Summers in the UK will recycle your sex toys for you if you bring them to their stores with the original packaging. Similarly, Scarletgirl in Portland will recycle your unwanted vibrators and give you credit to use on your next purchase.
In theory, most sex toys are recyclable, and many of them are made from materials that can be recycled in the US, such as ABS plastics and pure silicone. In addition, they’re often made from metal, glass, and treated or recycled wood in countries with strict laws on waste management. However, these materials can be contaminated by sex fluids and other substances, so they need to be cleaned thoroughly before being sent to a recycling center.
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