Why are they not recycled?

• Cotton buds are often not labelled to show the type of plastic they are made of.

• The sticks are also small, narrow and the hygienic issues that come with it restrict its recyclability.

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Key Findings from The Cotton Bud Project​

• Cotton bud pollution is reported globally ( e.g. Cotton buds are a top 10 item found on UK beach cleanups).

• There is a widespread incorrect disposal method, where the sticks are flushed away instead of being thrown into the bin. This has led to them to be a well-documented constituent of sewage-related debris, and buds more than often flush into the ocean.

• Their buoyancy and narrowness of the sticks mean that they are not retained by the sewage screens of wastewater systems.

• Just like other plastics, it persists in the environment.

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Visit the Cotton Bud Project here.

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What now?

• Don't flush it down, throw it in the bin.

• Consider cotton buds with a wood stick, much similar to matches.

• Woolworths has released its plastic-free earbuds that are made from paper.

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Other non-recyclables like cotton balls, pads and wet wipes are also wet waste since they are mostly used for bodily fluids, so be sure to throw them in the bin.

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