Product blog

Throwing old vibrators in the trash is not illegal, but irresponsible. We figured out how to deal with unnecessary sex gadgets in an environmentally friendly way.

Recently, American photographer Jennifer Warner published unusual pictures from California's Childrens Pool beach. They depicted the battle of two seagulls for a dildo. The situation may seem comical, but it also signals that improperly disposed of sex toys are harmful to the environment.

I hope this post doesn't offend anyone, but I have to share the funniest plastic pollution story I've ever seen. While photographing in La Jolla, I spotted a group of seagulls having a great time playing with something they found in the ocean… They were playing, tossing it to each other and then flying around the beach with it. I could tell it wasn't food, and when I looked closer I realized it was... All I have to say is to remind you that what goes into the ocean goes into the mouths of wild animals."

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How to understand that it's time to change a sex toy?

Disposable sex toys, as the name implies, have the shortest lifespan. These include pocket masturbators made of delicate porous materials or probe toys: for example, Satisfyer produces mini versions of vacuum stimulators that work for an hour and a half, after which they must be thrown away.

Toys made from 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 hazardous to health. 

“The shelf life of sex toys mainly depends on two things: the materials the toy is made of and how it has been handled. The main sign that it is time for a sex device to retire is noticeable changes. First of all, this concerns obvious damage to the device, but if the surface of the toy has changed color or stained, become sticky or smells bad, you should not use it either. 

Alfa, author of the telegram channel like adults

In other words, read the instructions. If used incorrectly, even durable devices can be damaged. For example, medical silicone devices do not tolerate silicone lubricants well. And toys with batteries should not be discharged to the end.

Why shouldn't sex toys be thrown in the trash?

You can, if you are not embarrassed by the thought that one day it will be found in the stomach of a fur seal or other animal.

In the production of toys, plastic, rubber, silicone, and vibration elements are used - these materials of devices will not allow them to disappear without a trace in a city dump in a couple of years.

“Most toys are difficult to dispose of on their own, both technically and morally. It is embarrassing for many to bring a used vibrator or, even worse, a realistic-looking masturbator to the recycling center. People are afraid of questions or just sidelong glances. I know that old sex toys are regularly tossed into the Thank You containers - I think not so much because Thank You recycles old clothes and probably knows how to recycle everything else (actually not), but because that it's anonymous."

Alfa, author of the telegram channel like adults

Where to carry unwanted sex toys?

Reception points

Sex toys are everyday things like an alarm clock or a kitchen chair. Electronic sex toys can be left in special containers or collection points for electrical appliances. Toys made of glass and metal should be taken to recycling centers for these materials. You can find the right points in your city using the free Recyclemap service . 

With silicone toys, the situation is more complicated. Do not throw them in a plastic container: these materials use different recycling methods. By itself, silicone is less harmful to the environment, but surpasses the same plastic in terms of durability.

Some private companies are involved in the recycling of silicone products. You can also try taking the toy to a household waste disposal center. In both cases, the service is paid. And be prepared that you may not find such points in your city. For example, in Samara I could not find a single one.

If your city is also having difficulties with the disposal of silicone, try to just do what you can. At a minimum, recycle batteries and jars of lubricants. Remember to first determine the type of packaging plastic: each is recycled differently. The marking is usually applied to the bottom of the bottle or printed on the tube. You can find places for receiving batteries and plastic using the same Recyclemap . 

Sex shops

Some sex shops have introduced an indefinite promotion for the acceptance of 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, as well as sent by mail or courier service.

Stores take toys apart and send parts to recycling centers or negotiate with companies that specialize in recycling complex devices.

Today, several sex shops accept old or broken toys:

Play Partner - 10% discount

Freud's Shop — 10% discount

Casanova 69 — 15% discount

How to prepare a sex toy for recycling?

Regardless of where you take the toy, it must be thoroughly washed and disinfected. Firstly, it will be ethical in relation to the worker who will disassemble your device. Secondly, sex shops that accept toys for recycling reserve the right to refuse if the device is dirty.

Remove the batteries from the electronic device. If the device goes to a sex shop, according to the requirements of the store, it must be put in an opaque bag or original box. It is better to throw away the toy in special waste bins without packaging. If you have a box left, it must be disposed of separately.

What toys can be considered the most environmentally friendly?

“In terms of recycling, toys made from the most recyclable or biodegradable materials are the most environmentally friendly: glass, unpainted metal, PLA, that is, starch-based plastic. They are followed, perhaps, by natural stone and wood - alas, these are also rare guests on the domestic market. In addition, high-quality toys made from such materials cost decent money. Medical silicone, abs plastic and ceramics complete the list. And, of course, rechargeable sex gadgets are more environmentally friendly than their battery-powered counterparts.”

Alfa, author of the telegram channel like adults