Throwing old vibrators in the trash is not prohibited, but it is irresponsible. We figured out how to deal with unnecessary sex gadgets in an environmentally friendly way.
Recently, American photographer Jennifer Warner published unusual photos from Californian beach Children’s Pool. They captured two seagulls fighting over a dildo. The situation may seem comical, but it also signals that improperly disposed of sex toys harm the environment.
“I hope this post doesn’t offend anyone, but I have to share the funniest story I’ve ever seen about plastic pollution. While taking pictures in La Jolla, I noticed a group of seagulls having a great time playing with something they found in the ocean… They were playing, throwing it to each other, and then flying it around the beach. I could tell it wasn’t food, and when I looked closer, I realized it was… All I have to say is this: what goes into the ocean ends up in the mouths of wildlife.”
How do you know when it’s time to change your sex toy?
Disposable sex toys, as the name suggests, have the shortest lifespan. These include pocket masturbators made of delicate porous materials or trial toys: for example, the Satisfyer company produces mini versions of vacuum stimulators that work for an hour and a half, after which they need to be thrown away.
Toys made of porous materials such as TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) or gel are short-lived. They accumulate bacteria and fungi, which not only spoil the toy, but also make it dangerous to health.
“The shelf life of sex toys depends mainly on two things: the materials the toy is made of and how it was handled. The main sign that it’s time for a sex device to retire is noticeable changes. This primarily concerns obvious damage to the device, but if the surface of the toy has changed color or become stained, has become sticky or has started to smell bad, you shouldn’t use it either.”
In other words, read the instructions. Even durable devices can be damaged if used incorrectly. For example, devices made of medical silicone do not tolerate silicone lubricants well. And toys with batteries should not be completely discharged.
Why can’t sex toys be thrown in the trash?
Yes, if you don’t mind the thought that one day it will be found in the stomach of a seal or another animal.
Plastic, rubber, silicone, and vibration elements are used in the production of toys – these materials of the devices will not allow them to disappear without a trace in the city dump in a couple of years.
“Most toys are difficult to dispose of independently, both technically and morally. Many people feel awkward bringing a used vibrator or, even worse, a realistic-looking masturbator to a recycling center. People are afraid of questions or just sidelong glances. I know that old sex toys are regularly thrown into the containers of the “Spasibo” project – I think not so much because “Spasibo” disposes of old clothes and probably knows how to dispose of everything else (in fact, it does not), but because it is anonymous.”
Where to take unwanted sex toys?
Reception points
Sex toys are household items, like an alarm clock or a kitchen chair. Electronic sex toys can be left in special containers or collection points for electrical appliances. Glass and metal toys should be taken to recycling points for these materials. You can find the necessary points in your city using the free Recyclemap service .
The situation with silicone toys is more complicated. You shouldn’t throw them in the plastic container: different recycling methods are used for these materials. Silicone itself is less harmful to the environment, but it is more durable than the same plastic.
Some private companies are engaged in the disposal of silicone products. You can also try to hand over the toy to household waste disposal centers. In both cases, the service is paid. And be prepared that you may not find such points in your city.
If your city also has problems with silicone recycling, try to simply do what you can. At a minimum, recycle batteries and lubricant jars. Remember that you first need to determine the type of plastic packaging: each of them is recycled differently. The marking is usually applied to the bottom of the bottle or printed on the tube. You can find places to collect batteries and plastic using the same Recyclemap .
Sex shops
Some sex shops have introduced an indefinite campaign for accepting old or broken devices. By handing over a sex toy for recycling, the client receives a discount on the purchase of a new one. The toy can be brought in person, or sent by mail or courier service.
Stores disassemble toys and send the parts to recycling centers or negotiate with companies that specialize in recycling complex devices.
Today, several sex shops accept old or broken toys:
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Play Partner – 10% discount
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“Freud’s Shop” – 10% discount
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“Casanova 69” – 15% discount
How to prepare a sex toy for disposal?
Regardless of where you take the toy, it needs to be thoroughly washed and disinfected. Firstly, it will be ethical towards the worker who will disassemble your device. Secondly, sex shops that accept toys for disposal reserve the right to refuse if the device is dirty.
Remove batteries from the electronic device. If the device is sent to a sex shop, the store requires that it be placed in an opaque bag or original box. It is better to throw the toy into special waste bins without packaging. If you still have the box, it must be disposed of separately.