Updated 2026-10-17 · 3 min read
How to get rid of a toy you are done with
What to do with an adult product you no longer want — why it cannot be recycled in the normal bin, how to dispose of batteries, and when to throw something away rather than keep it.
When to actually get rid of it
Three signals: the surface stays tacky after washing and powdering, a tear appears at an opening, or it smells even after cleaning. Those are not fixable, and keeping it is the worse option.
Also worth replacing: anything with a battery that no longer holds a charge, because a dead cell can swell.
Batteries first
If the item has a removable battery, take it out and put it in a battery bin — most supermarkets and electronics shops in the UAE have one.
Built-in lithium cells cannot be removed. That means the device goes in general waste, not recycling. Do not put a battery in with plastics.
Cut it up, then bag it
Silicone and TPE can be cut with household scissors. Cutting it into several pieces and putting it in an opaque bag inside general waste means it is not identifiable and not retrievable.
This is not about shame, it is about not leaving something someone else has to handle intact.
What not to do
- Do not put it in the recycling bin — mixed materials and batteries contaminate the load
- Do not burn it — TPE and silicone release fumes
- Do not donate it — for obvious reasons
- Do not flush anything, ever
Mentioned in this post
Water-Based Lubricant — 200 ml
Questions
Can toys be recycled? +
Not in household recycling. Mixed materials and built-in batteries make them unsuitable, so general waste is the honest answer.
How do I dispose of a built-in battery? +
The device goes in general waste. Do not attempt to open it to remove the cell.
Is it safe to keep a very old toy? +
Not once the surface stays tacky or tears. Porous material that cannot be cleaned properly is a hygiene risk.
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