Poggers
October 25, 2024
Orbeez | How to Properly Dispose of Them
In this article, we’re discussing why it's important to dispose of Orbeez in an eco-friendly way and how to do it.
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Orbeez are colorful, squishy beads that are present in almost every household, whether as ammo for Gel Blasters, decoration, or for viral Orbeez challenges. After playing with them, Orbeez can be saved for later or disposed of. Even though they can be reused, they eventually break down and you’ll have to toss them. However, disposing of Orbeez can be tedious and there are things you should and shouldn’t do when getting rid of them. We’ll be exploring the consequences of disposing of Orbeez improperly and how to do it right.
Are Orbeez Biodegradable in Nature?
Orbeez are the polymer chains of polyacrylamide and they contain sodium hydroxide, food dye, and water. A recent study showed that polyacrylamide degenerates into acrylamide which is a carcinogen (cancer-causing agent). That is why they are not readily biodegradable. While they decompose faster than plastics, it still takes them 2-5 years to completely decompose.
If the answer was as simple as throwing them in the trash bin, then you wouldn’t be here. There are some eco-friendly ways to dispose of Orbeez, but that varies based on the quantity.
Safe Methods for Disposing of Orbeez
Put Orbeez in Flower Beds
This is the safest way to dispose of Orbeez. You can put them in the flower beds of your indoor plants that need slow watering. The gel beads will absorb the water and then slowly release them, hydrating your plants. By doing this repeatedly, they will decompose completely. Do not put it in beds of dirt that contain food you plan on eating.
Throw Orbeez in the Trash
The easiest way to dispose of Orbeez is to follow a few steps before throwing them in the trash. First, dehydrate them before placing them in a sealed bag so they don’t fall out. Anything you throw away ends up in landfills, so throwing them away without first placing them in a bag can pose a risk to animals. Orbeez that fall out can also swell after it rains and animals will mistakenly ingest them.
Disposing of Orbeez in Large Quantities
The Orbeez challenge is a trending challenge on social media that requires a lot of Orbeez. There are plenty of videos of people filling up their entire pool with Orbeez for content or parties. But the big question is: How do you dispose of that many Orbeez?
First, mix a large quantity of salt with the Orbeez. This will help drain the water out of them in a couple of hours. Then spread the water beads out on a tarp in direct sunlight and change their position at intervals. This will make sure they’re fully dehydrated but it’ll take a few days. By doing this, you can store them for later or effectively dispose of them using the methods mentioned above.
Improper Ways to Dispose of Orbeez
Never Flush Orbeez
Never flush Orbeez down the drain, whether in a toilet or kitchen. While some people recommend this as a proper way, it is not. Some argue that flushing them in batches won’t cause blockage, but the water beads will absorb the water and grow. If a lot of people continue to do this, the number of Orbeez will build up and possibly block the drainage system. This will not only lead to expensive repairs but dangerous water could also be released into the waterways.
There is a safe way to flush Orbeez, which we talk about in further detail below.
Don’t Compost Orbeez
Orbeez slowly decompose and eventually break down into a cancer-causing agent, so putting them in a compost bin is not a good idea. Acrylamide is a water soluble so it can easily seep into your food if you use your compost for fruits or vegetables.
Never Use Them as Mulch
Some people think that you can prepare a good mulch by mixing Orbeez with leaves, grass, and wood. We do not recommend this for the same reason you shouldn’t use them as compost. The gel beads break down into harmful chemicals and you shouldn’t use mulch with harmful chemicals that can hurt the environment.
Never Dump Orbeez in Water Bodies
Dumping Orbeez in bodies of water, like lakes or ponds, is dangerous for aquatic life. Fish and other aquatic creatures may eat the beads which can block their digestive tract. Furthermore, acrylamide is also harmful to animals and their chances of getting cancer from agents like this are greater than humans. Disposing of water beads in water will disrupt the ecosystem in the long run.
How to Flush Orbeez Properly
Earlier, we discussed that flushing Orbeez was an improper way to dispose of them. However, there is a proper way.
Using Hot Water
Place the Orbeez in a jar and soak them in hot, but not boiling, water. The size of the jar depends on how many Orbeez you’re disposing of. The goal here is to make sure the Orbeez dissolve first. Adding baking soda can help them dissolve faster. Stir them occasionally and wait for them to completely dissolve before flushing them down the drain with water.
Using Vinegar
You can also dispose of Orbeez by soaking them in white vinegar. Make sure the water and vinegar are at the same ratio. Let the Orbeez soak in the vinegar solution until they start to break down, which can take a few days. Once they’re completely broken down, you can flush them with running water in your sink or toilet.
Using Bleach
Instead of Vinegar, you can also use bleach. Soak the Orbeez in diluted bleach and they’ll dissolve within 24 hours. The ratio of bleach to water should be 1:10. Once they’re dissolved, you can flush them.
Final Thoughts on Disposing of Orbeez
The popularity of Orbeez have risen significantly in recent years. While they’re fun, these gel beads can’t be recycled. You have two options: Store them until they break down or dispose of them properly. If you’re disposing of them, you’ll want to do it in an eco-friendly way.
As discussed, the safest answer is to put them in flower beds and avoid draining them, composting them, or throwing them in bodies of water. By disposing of Orbeez properly, you’re protecting our environment and wildlife for the next generations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do with Orbeez when you're done?
+How To Recycle Orbeez?
+How long does it take for Orbeez to decompose?
+When should you throw out Orbeez?
+Are Orbeez Eco-friendly?
+Can I throw Orbeez in the trash?
+Can I flush Orbeez down the toilet?
+Read More Blogs
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