There is a disconnection between consumers and recycling organisation, and we are trying to link them together.
Field Research: Adult Shops Amsterdam
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Some conversation with adult shop owners:
1. We used to collect used sex toys many years ago, so when customer put them in the bin, they get some discount on new product. We ship them to the Philippines, I know some people there.
2. We just took over this shop, and I had to throw many old products on the window from the previous owner. I felt very bad but we have no other choices. Me myself is a hardcore vegan feminist. I really wish they can be recycled, and people consume less. If there are some more need to be throw out, I will collect them and you can come pick up in a few weeks. (She is willing to take recycle bins in her shop)
3. We recycle packages and batteries in our shop. I always recommend customers rechargeable sex toys, and higher quality ones. Personally I have a vibrator that last more than ten years already. For the recycling, even me, as a adult product shop owner, I don’t feel comfortable enough to put my old sex toys in the electronic recycle bin in the Supermarket. (She is willing to take recycle bins in her shop)
4.Personally, I never use any electronic sex toys. But I am open to put recycle bins in my shop if you figure out where will they go. We used to take old clothes or used toner, it’s better for the environment and people.
Visited 11 adult shops. I asked them what do they do if they have some returned items, and their attitude to used sex toy recycling.
Result: Most of them will send returned items back to the wholesalers. Some shops will throw them in the bins.
Two shop owners said no directly. Most of the owners had conversation with me to discuss this issue and some of them are willing to work together in the future. Some gave me the information of their product suppliers.
Result: Most of them will send returned items back to the wholesalers. Some shops will throw them in the bins.
Two shop owners said no directly. Most of the owners had conversation with me to discuss this issue and some of them are willing to work together in the future. Some gave me the information of their product suppliers.
Some conversation with adult shop owners:
1. We used to collect used sex toys many years ago, so when customer put them in the bin, they get some discount on new product. We ship them to the Philippines, I know some people there.
2. We just took over this shop, and I had to throw many old products on the window from the previous owner. I felt very bad but we have no other choices. Me myself is a hardcore vegan feminist. I really wish they can be recycled, and people consume less. If there are some more need to be throw out, I will collect them and you can come pick up in a few weeks. (She is willing to take recycle bins in her shop)
3. We recycle packages and batteries in our shop. I always recommend customers rechargeable sex toys, and higher quality ones. Personally I have a vibrator that last more than ten years already. For the recycling, even me, as a adult product shop owner, I don’t feel comfortable enough to put my old sex toys in the electronic recycle bin in the Supermarket. (She is willing to take recycle bins in her shop)
4.Personally, I never use any electronic sex toys. But I am open to put recycle bins in my shop if you figure out where will they go. We used to take old clothes or used toner, it’s better for the environment and people.
Field Research: E-waste Recyling Processor
With one of the biggest E-E-waste Recyling Processor, we tested how to recycle used sex toys, the process and the difficulties.
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Process:
Result:
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Most parts can be recyled and they worth money, only the parts in the two left and down sides boxes can not be recycled: they are rubbers (silicone, pve, or jelly) and foam. Recycling company need to pay for burning the parts can not recycled.
With one of the biggest E-E-waste Recyling Processor, we tested how to recycle used sex toys, the process and the difficulties.
Process:
Result:
Most parts can be recyled and they worth money, only the parts in the two left and down sides boxes can not be recycled: they are rubbers (silicone, pve, or jelly) and foam. Recycling company need to pay for burning the parts can not recycled.