Recycling strap-on dildos may not be something you think about on a daily basis, but considering the various forms of environmental harm caused by throwing out old, potentially hazardous items, it becomes considerably more important. Fortunately there are a multitude of ways to recycle them; getting them out of our oceans and subsequent landfills being one of the primary goals.
One of the best methods is donating them. Local sex toy recycling programs are specifically set up for this purpose. Run either by sex workers themselves or smaller dedicated sex toy shops, reusing or at least partially repurposing old strap-on dildos is commonly accepted. Items collected through these programs can then be donated to members of the community that may have otherwise had no access to such toys - vulnerable sex workers being a prime example.
Donating is a form of direct support to at least some part of the sex worker community; reducing the all too present plastic waste being a secondary but still important benefit. Turning the strap-on into a fun DIY project is another option. Crafty repurposing ideas are near infinite; jewelry, small decorations, anything really. A drill, some paint and pure creativity will see you transform at least part of an old strap-on into something new. Waste reduction is and should be a personal goal, fun creativity being the perfect side effect.
Taking them to a more 'traditional' recycling center is also possible. Electronic and/or plastic recycling centers are now accepting various types of dildos (smaller or larger), though as before mentioned checking with the local center is advised. Disassembling the strap and/or components is a part of many centers' policies, and in the end all items, to my knowledge, are or can be fully recycled. Wear and tear and/or bodily fluid exposure are and will always be a concern to recycling centers, but we all want to see a future where we don't need to worry about either.
Finally, if your strap-on dildo is made of silicone or some other material not accepted by your local recycling center, sending it to the manufacturers themselves is a viable option. Manufacturers are often willing to accept these items for recycling; sex toy companies in particular make this a part of their process. Exchange programs are common, where old and used items can be given in return for a discount on new products.
Reducing plastic waste is a huge benefit of this type of recycling, money saved being the secondary but still important factor. Overall, recycling your strap-on dildos is something that should be pursued. Donating, various forms of repurposing, and all aspects of proper recycling are ways to at least partially protect our environment. The next time you think of getting rid of them (or just simply keeping them out of landfills), remember: reduce, reuse, and/or recycle.
Why Should We Recycle the Strap on Dildos?
Recycling strap on dildos can help reduce waste and protect the environment. Strap on dildos are typically made of some form of plastic, a non-biodegradable material. Proper disposal of these items is near impossible; plastic taking hundreds of years to break down contributes directly to various types of pollution and all around litter.
Recycling the strap allows for at least a partial repurposing of the materials, new products can be made from them, the need for completely new raw materials is lessened, and landfills are pushed to a minimum. Saving energy and subsequent greenhouse gas emissions are also benefits of recycling.
Benefits of Recycle the Strap ons(specifically):
- Reducing waste
- Protecting the environment
- Saving money (new dildos are expensive)
- Customization/personalization of the dildo itself
- A more sustainable eco-friendly sex toy option is being created.
Is it Necessary to Recycle?
No, not necessarily. Regular trash disposal is still a valid option.
What We Should Do to Recycle:
Check with local recycling centers - silicone products are sometimes accepted, specific guidelines may be provided.
If silicone is not accepted, donating to a (smaller) sex toy recycling program is the next best step. Organized efforts are being made to at least partially recycle old toys.
Disassembling and/or separating the strap and dildo, or both, is a good middle ground. Metal and/or plastic hardware can be sent to a true recycling center.
In all cases, a strap on dildo should never be a completely lost cause to the environment. Responsible disposal is a part of our future as humans.
