How to Put on a Condom

Step 7 Dispose of the Condom

Once the condom is removed it should be thrown away in the trash. Latex doesn't break down in water, so don't flush it, and it certainly isn't biodegradable, so don't put it into the compost - even if it is filled with "organic matter".

Simply wrap it up and throw it away.

Comments

[x0gotlemons0x]

I thought it would be good to add a tidbit to your final step: I read/saw somewhere that, during disposal of the condom, that you should tie off the end of it, like you would a balloon, to keep the fluids inside the condom rather than sloshing around in your trash (or wherever you decided to throw that thing).

[redneckjaybyrd]

That reminds me of a story of a married couple that had a house built and with a brand new septic tank and one day they had it cleaned and the husband had notice inflated condoms (inflated from gases from sewage I believe) and they have never used condoms.  She had been cheating on him for years and she flushed them down the toilet for disposal.

[airsoftbeast40]

thats funny =p

[rickw]

Interesting Instructable, I guess... I want to take exception with something you say in the last step. Latex is a natural rubber and is biodegradable, even in water. You shouldn't flush condoms because they can cause problems in the plumbing. This is also the reason to not use very old condoms or condoms that have been stored improperly. From the very first link on google after typing "latex biodegradable" : "Are latex balloons biodegradable? Latex is a 100-percent natural substance that breaks down both in sunlight and water. The degradation process begins almost immediately. Oxidation, the “frosting” that makes latex balloons look as if they are losing their color, is one of the first signs of the process. Exposure to sunlight quickens the process, but natural microorganisms attack natural rubber even in the dark. Research shows that under similar environmental conditions, latex balloons will biodegrade at about the same rate as a leaf from an oak tree. The actual total degradation time will vary depending on the precise conditions. Click here for more information" Although that information is in regards to balloons, latex, no matter the form, is the constant. Of course polyurethane condoms don't break down. I do agree that they should be disposed of properly, no matter the material of construction.