So, it’s time to say goodbye to those trusty old sex toys in your bedside drawer. Whether worn out, you’re upgrading, or just ready for something new, it’s important to dispose of them properly. But what’s the best way to do that? Can you recycle them? And if not, how do you get rid of them without harming the environment? Well, this is one concern that we at My Sex Toy Guide advocate to solve. To answer all your sex toy disposal questions, the founder of this website Tim Larson will discuss your options. Let’s see what he suggests:
- Recycling: Many sex toys are made of plastic or silicone, which can take hundreds of years to break down in a landfill. Recycling your vibrator or dildo is not only good for the environment, but it can also help create new products, such as park benches. You can check if your local recycling program accepts electrical items.
- Repairing: Repairing sex toys is possible, and you’ll save money in the process. If you’re not comfortable repairing them yourself, consider reaching out to the manufacturer. Many companies offer repair services, and some even have warranties.
- Reselling: Just like with clothing, shoes, and other personal items, some people are looking for a bargain on gently used toys. Reselling your toys is a great way to be environmentally conscious and keep them out of landfills.
- Throwing away: If they are not recyclable, then it’s time to take out the trash bags. If possible, remove the batteries before disposing them.
Table Of Contents
Why It’s Important to Dispose of Them Properly
To begin with, let’s talk about the not-so-eco-friendly side of sex toys. Sadly, these pleasure products aren’t exactly biodegradable, and while other toys are a few environmentally-friendly options, they’re about as elusive as a unicorn in the wild.
Recycling your old sex toys isn’t just a green move; it’s also a wise choice for users who care about their environmental impact. The sex toy industry is booming, with demand for new and shiny products always on the rise. By recycling your old favorites, you’re helping reduce landfill, which translates to less waste and a happier planet. So, remember, it’s not just about pleasure – it’s also about making the world a little happier, one recycled toy at a time.
So, before you casually chuck them in your regular trash, consider giving them a second chance through recycling. Various sex toy recycling programs, like the eco-warriors at the Natural Love Company or your trusty local recycling center, are here to rescue your old toys from becoming toy waste. If you’re intrigued, check out the official Natural Love Company website to support their mission.
Finally, let’s address the health factor. Sex toys can turn into stealthy bacteria hideaways if you’re not careful, and if you don’t bid them farewell properly, you might unintentionally spread more than just good vibes. So, make sure to give those toys a good sterilization session before sending them off into the sunset. Wrap them in a plastic bag and drop them at your local recycling center or at a program that’s on the lookout for pre-loved toys.
How to Dispose of Sex Toys?
1. Recycling
Let’s be real, sex toys aren’t the most straightforward things to part ways with. But here’s a little secret: many pleasure products are actually recyclable! Turning your pleasure toys into recycling heroes isn’t just an environmental win; it’s also a brilliant way to declutter your living space.
So, why should you consider recycling them? Well, for starters, it’s the eco-conscious thing to do. A lot of vibrators are made from plastic or silicone material, which can stubbornly hang around in landfills for centuries. By giving them a second chance through recycling, you’re cutting down on the waste pile-up. And get this, recycled sex toys can even find new life as things like park benches or other outdoor equipment!
Now, let’s talk about the “how.” Step one: check if your local recycling program has a program for small electrical items. If they do, you’re in luck – you can throw your sex toys in with your old smartphones and gadgets. If not, it’s time to go on the hunt for a specialized sex toy recycling program. These folks are experts in breaking down your toys into their main categories, like plastic or silicone and sending them off for recycling. Some of them are even in a generous mood and offer perks, like discounts on fresh toys, as a little thank-you for trying to recycle your old pals.
Pro Tips: before dropping your vibrator into the recycling bin or shipping it off to a specialized program, take those batteries out. Batteries (like in the image above) should get their own farewell party, as they can leak all sorts of nasty stuff into the environment. Oh, and here’s a thought – if your toy is still in tip-top condition, consider passing it on to a friend or donating it to a sex-positive organization. Sharing is caring, after all!
2. Repairing
Alright, so you’ve splurged on a top-notch sex toy, but it’s acting up – what now? Well, before you decide to give it a one-way ticket to the trash or send it off for the recycling system, here’s a better idea: how about giving it a little TLC and fixing it up? Not only is this a budget-friendly move, but it’s also a high-five to Mother Earth for reducing electronic waste.
First, play detective and try to identify the issue. Is the vibrator motor taking an unscheduled nap? Did the battery decide to retire early? Or is it just a minor mechanical hiccup? Once you’ve pinpointed the culprit, it’s troubleshooting time. You can look through the manual, just like the user guide for the magic wand in the image below, to see if it has fixes for any of these issues.
Note: If you’ve got a broken bullet, tired wand, or a well-loved G-spot vibrator in need of a revival, we’ve got you covered with our handy how-to guides! Here they are: How to Fix a Bullet Vibrator and How to Repair a Broken G-Spot Vibrator. You can check them out by clicking their respective links.
If the thought of DIY repair leaves you feeling jittery, consider waving the white flag and reaching out to the manufacturer. Many companies offer repair services, and some even throw in warranties for good measure. Pop onto the manufacturer’s website or drop a line to their customer service crew for the 411.
But if you’re the adventurous type and want to go the DIY route, make sure you’ve got the right tools and are on friendly terms with the manufacturer’s instructions. Some fixes might require special parts or tools, so do a bit of homework before diving in. And remember, there’s no shame in asking for a helping hand if you’re not feeling like the DIY guru of the century. Happy fixing!
3. Reselling
So, you’re ready to part ways with your favorite vibrator? Before throwing it in the garbage, consider reselling it! Many don’t realize that there is a market for used sex toys. Just like with clothing, shoes, and other personal items, there are people looking for a bargain on gently used toys. Plus, reselling your vibrator is a great way to be environmentally conscious and keep them out of landfills.
One pro tip for reselling your toys is to clean them thoroughly. Use a dedicated cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Now, it would be easier to sell sterilized toys than dirty ones, wouldn’t it? Once your toy is clean and ready to go, you can sell it on websites like Co-Ed Lingerie or discreetly through friends or co-workers. Another option is to donate your toys to companies that recycle the materials. For example, some companies have a process for breaking down the material of the toy and recycling it into new products.
4. Throwing Your Sex Toys Away
Let’s face it, sometimes you just need to break up with your sex toys. Whether you’re upgrading to a newer model or just need to make some space in your box, throwing away your vibrators can be a tricky process. But fear not, we’ve got some tips to help you dispose of them properly.
First things first, you need to figure out if they are recyclable or not. Most vibrators are made of body-safe materials like silicone, skin-safe rubber, or plastic, which can be recycled. However, the recycling process for adult products is not as straightforward as tossing them in your curbside recycling bin. You’ll need to do some research to find a specialized recycling program or facility that accepts sex toys.
If your vibrators are not recyclable, then it’s time to take out the trash bags. But before you throw them out, consider the impact they will have on the environment. Many products contain batteries or any electrical parts that can harm the environment if not disposed of properly.
When it comes to disposing of your adult toys, it’s important to know that you’re dealing with intimate items that have been in contact with your body. To avoid any awkward encounters, wrap your sex toys in a plastic bag or wrap them in newspaper before putting them in the trash. And if you’re concerned about privacy, consider breaking them into smaller pieces before disposing of them.
How Do I Know If My Device Is Recyclable?
Let’s face it, not all sex toys are eco-friendly and some are made with materials that are easier to recycle than others. If you’re wondering whether your toy is recyclable, the first thing you do is to check the packaging or manual that came with your toy. If it says that the toy is made from environmentally friendly materials or is designed to be recycled, then you’re in luck! However, if there’s no information on the packaging or manual, you’ll need to do a bit of detective work.
One way to determine if your toy is recyclable is to look at the materials it’s made from. Toys made from borosilicate glass, for example, are often recyclable. Additionally, rechargeable batteries can often be recycled, so if your toy has a rechargeable battery, it may be recyclable as well. But if your toy is made from materials like silicone or rubber, it may not be recyclable.
If you’re unsure whether it’s recyclable or not, the best thing is to contact your local recycling facility. They’ll be able to tell you whether your toy can be recycled or not, and if it can, they’ll provide you with instructions on how to do so. You can also check if your old vibrator can be recycled by shipping it to a sex toy recycling company.
Where Can I Purchase Replacements?
Physical Stores
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to see the toys up close and personal, you can always go to a physical sex shop. These stores have knowledgeable staff and you get a chance to see and touch the product before buying it. One store chain we especially recommend is Good Vibrations.
Online Retailers
If you’re not comfortable with walk-in stores or they are not available in your area, online shopping is the way to go. There are plenty of online retailers that sell sex toys, from big names like Amazon to specialized websites like Lovehoney. Just make sure to read the reviews before making a purchase. You don’t want to end up with a toy that’s too loud or doesn’t do the job. And don’t forget to check for sales and discounts, free shipping, and discreet box packaging. Who doesn’t love a good deal on a new vibrator?
No matter where you decide to buy your new sex toy, just remember to dispose of your old one properly. If you don’t have a reference on what toy to buy as a replacement, here are all the best male sex toys and best female sex toys we ranked and tested. Happy shopping!
Thanks for reading my guide on how to dispose of old sex toys!
Tim
Do you have any questions? Ask us on Twitter.
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