Why It’s Time to Ditch That Dusty Vibrator (Responsibly!)
We get it—breaking up is hard to do, even when it’s with your beloved (but barely functional) vibrator. But according to new research, Brits are hanging onto their old, worn-out sex toys for up to ten years, and in the process, they could be cheating themselves out of better orgasms. Even more shockingly, half of Brits have never replaced their erotic devices at all.
The survey, conducted by Back Market, a global leader in refurbished tech, asked 2,877 people about their sex toy habits. While 66% of Brits own just one or two toys, a quarter admitted to having up to five tucked away in their drawers. But here’s the kicker: by stubbornly clinging to outdated, underperforming, or broken toys, many are missing out on the full potential of their pleasure. Over half of respondents reported that investing in a new toy noticeably improved their sex life.
So why are people still holding onto their sad, semi-functional vibrators? For some, it’s sentimental. For others, it’s simply not knowing what to do with them once they’ve given up the ghost.
Where Do Dead Sex Toys Go?
Turns out, a lot of them go straight to the bin. The survey found that one in three people simply throw them in the trash, while only 19% recycle them properly. Another 15% just stash them away indefinitely, creating a graveyard of forgotten toys in their bedside drawers.
But there’s hope: 59% of participants said they would recycle their old sex toys—if they knew how. And that’s exactly where Back Market and Smile Makers come in. The two brands are teaming up to offer a sustainable solution: trade in your dead toys, and get 10% off a brand-new Smile Makers vibrator.
Alix Fox Wants You to Recycle Your Worn-Out Sex Toys
Sex educator and Sex Education script consultant Alix Fox has joined the movement to spread the word about sex toy e-waste. And as always, she’s keeping it real.
“If your ancient rabbit is hopping along lamely on its last legs, or your wand vibrator has gone from ‘magic’ to ‘tragic’ because it refuses to charge—please, don’t just chuck it in the bin! Recycle instead,” says Fox.
“Anything with a plug, battery, or cable can be recycled. But people often feel embarrassed about properly disposing of their old sex toys, even though they wouldn’t hesitate to do the same for a broken sonic toothbrush or bikini trimmer. The truth is, sex toy e-waste is a growing problem, and it’s time we started talking about it.”
Time to Upgrade? Now There’s a Perk for That
Beyond sex toys, Back Market is on a mission to cut e-waste across all industries, from smartphones to self-care gadgets. Luke Forshaw, Head of Brand and Marketing at Back Market, says the issue of e-waste needs to be tackled in all areas of life—including the bedroom.
“Our data shows that Brits hold onto their non-functional sex toys for years because they just don’t know how to dispose of them,” Forshaw explains. “Like everyday tech, sex toys contain electronic components that shouldn’t end up in landfills. At Back Market, we’re all about circularity, so teaming up with Smile Makers is a fun yet important way to bring sustainability into the conversation—even when it comes to pleasure.”
And Samantha Marshall, Head of Brand & Marketing at Smile Makers, agrees.
“Taking care of your pleasure products shouldn’t stop when they stop working,” she says. “We design our vibrators to last, but when they reach the end of their life, what happens next? Right now, there’s no clear answer. That’s why we’re so excited to partner with Back Market—to break the silence around this topic and help people find real solutions for responsibly recycling their vibrators.”
How to Recycle Your Old Sex Toys (and Get a Discount)
If you’ve got a worn-out vibrator gathering dust, now’s the time to say goodbye—responsibly. Through Back Market and Smile Makers’ new initiative, you can trade in your old sex toy and get 10% off your next purchase.
Better orgasms and a greener planet? Sounds like a win-win.
Editor’s Notes:
- The survey included 2,877 participants aged 18 to 65+, with 483 respondents identifying as sex toy owners. The findings reflect this subgroup.
- 64% of participants were married or in a relationship, 30% were single, while 6% identified as widowed, in an open relationship, or selected “It’s complicated.”
About Back Market
Back Market is a global online marketplace for quality refurbished electronics and household appliances, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets. Their rigorous vetting process ensures that only the best refurbishers can sell on the platform, offering consumers high-quality devices at up to 70% less than brand-new products. Back Market helps extend the life of tech products, reducing the need for new manufacturing and conserving valuable global resources.
About Smile Makers
Smile Makers is a leading global sexual wellness brand dedicated to revolutionising perceptions of pleasure. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and inclusivity, Smile Makers offers thoughtfully designed products aimed at enhancing intimacy and well-being.
For more information, visit https://smilemakerscollection.com.
