Disposable

For the 1968 garage rock album, see Disposable (album).

"Single use" redirects here. For the concept in operating system technology, see Single user.

A disposable (also called disposable product) is a product designed for a single use after which it is recycled or is disposed as solid waste. The term often implies cheapness and short-term convenience rather than medium to long-term durability. The term is also sometimes used for products that may last several months (ex. disposable air filters) to distinguish from similar products that last indefinitely (ex. washable air filters).

Materials and costs

Disposables are most often made from paper, plastic, cotton, or polystyrene foam.

Examples of disposables

Kitchen & dining products

• Disposable dishware / drinkware (ex. plates, bowls, cups)
• Plastic cutlery (ex. spoons, knives, forks, sporks)
• Disposable table cloth
• Cans, bottles, jars, cartons, wrappers and other food packaging are largely recyclable, and some are even compostable
• Inexpensive tupperware products are recyclable
• Cupcake wrappers, coffee filters are compostable

Medical & Hygiene products

Medical and surgical device manufacturers worldwide produce a multitude of items that are intended for one use only. The primary reason is infection control; when an item is used only once it cannot transmit infectious agents to subsequent patients. Manufacturers of any type of medical device are obliged to abide by numerous standards and regulations. ISO 15223: Medical Devices and EN 980 cite that single use instruments or devices be labelled as such on their packaging with a universally recognized symbol to denote "do not re-use," "single use," or "use only once". This symbol is the numeral 2, within a circle with a 45° line through it.

Examples of single use items include:

• Hypodermic Needles
• Toilet paper
• Condoms and other contraception products
• Disposable enemas and similar products
• Cotton swabs and pads
• Medical and cleaning gloves
• Baby and adult diapers, and training pants
• Shaving razors, waxing kits, combs, and other hair control products
• Toothbrushes, dental floss, and other oral care products
• Hospital aprons
• Disposable panties in postpartum
• Contact lenses

Electronics

• Non-rechargeable batteries are considered hazardous waste and should only be disposed of as such.
• Disposable ink cart
• Disposable cameras

Defense and law enforcement

• Ammunition; but shell casings are recyclable
• PlastiCuffs

Other consumer products

• Paper shopping bags can be reused and are recyclable
• Plastic shopping bags can be reused and are also recyclable at many grocery stores
• Vacuum cleaner bags, water, air, coolant, and other filters
• Paper currency (worn out banknotes are removed from circulation by the Federal Reserve)
• Ballpoint pens, erasers, and other writing implements
• Aseptic milk and soy milk containers

Environmental impact

The use of disposable products had led to a marked increase in trash and is a major cause of overconsumption. Some movements, such as landfill diversion, seek to combat disposable item overuse and the resulting trash.

See also

• Consumable
• Extended producer responsibility
• Planned obsolescence
• Waste management
• Société Bic