- Many sex toys count as electrical waste and should be recycled under WEEE regulations.
- Battery-operated and rechargeable devices should not go in household bins.
- Non-electrical items may be disposed of in general waste, but recycling and battery removal rules still apply.
- Always check your local council’s guidance for specific disposal options.
Why should old electrical sex toys and batteries be recycled?
Recycling unwanted electrical goods like sex toys and batteries is better for the environment.
Currently over 75% of waste electrical goods end up in landfill. Some items contain lead and other toxins, which can potentially cause soil and water damage. This can also have a harmful effect on the natural habitat, wildlife and human health.
Recycling your electronic items and batteries can help to save natural resources and reduce the environmental and health risk associated with sending these items into landfill.
Do you offer a toy recycling scheme?
We do! At Ann Summers, we get a buzz from recycling. Which is why we offer a free, in-store take-back service for batteries and used electronic sex toys. Simply bring your items in to us in a clean and safe condition.
What do I need to do?
If you’d like to recycle your electrical / electronic sex toys, bring them in to any of our Ann Summers stores.
Before bringing your toys in to us, please make sure the product is clean and safe. Please note that our staff reserve the right to refuse sex toys which are not presented in these conditions due to hygiene and recycling policies.
When you arrive, a member of staff will provide you with one of our recycling bags for you to place your items inside.
How to prepare your sex toys for recycling
Regardless of the type of product:
- Clean the item thoroughly before disposal. Read more about cleaning sex toys here with our helpful guide.
- Remove batteries where applicable.
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Check for recycling symbols or crossed-out wheelie bin symbols (indicating WEEE classification).
What does the crossed out wheelie bin symbol’ mean?
If you see this symbol on a product:
It means you should avoid disposing of the item in your general waste.
How can I recycle used portable batteries for my sex toys?
Please ensure you remove any batteries before handing items to our store colleagues.
These will need to be provided separately in a different bag, as they are recycled separately.
What happens to my unwanted sex toys and batteries once handed in?
When we recycle your items they go to an approved recycling center. The product will then be broken down, and any recyclable/reusable parts will be recovered and reused.
FAQs
Are sex toys classed as electrical waste in the UK?
If they contain batteries, charging ports, or electronic components, they fall under WEEE regulations and must be recycled as electrical waste.
Can I put a sex toy in my household bin?
Only if it contains no electrical components or batteries. Otherwise, electrical devices must be recycled.
Do I need to remove batteries before disposal?
Yes. Batteries should be removed and recycled separately at designated collection points.
Can I recycle silicone sex toys?
No, most silicone products are not accepted in standard council recycling schemes and typically go in general waste unless your local council advises otherwise.