Disposable

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A disposable product is a product designed for cheapness and short-term convenience rather than medium to long-term durability, with most products only intended for single use. 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

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

Examples of disposable products

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
• Inexpensive tupperware products
• Cupcake containers, coffee filters

Medical & hygiene products

• Toilet paper, wet wipes, paper towels, and handkerchiefs / facial tissues.
• 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

Electronics

• Disposable cameras
• Non-rechargeable batteries.

Defense and law enforcement

• Ammunition
• PlastiCuffs

Other consumer products

• Paper and plastic bags (shopping)
• Shipping boxes and pallets
• Vacuum cleaner bags, water, air, coolant, and other filters
• Travel underwear, socks, and plane / car seat pads
• Paper currency (worn out banknotes are removed from circulation by the Federal Reserve)
• Ballpoint pens, erasers, and other writing implements
• Cigarette lighters

See also

• Extended producer responsibility
• Waste management
• Société Bic

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Last updated on Friday March 07, 2008 at 02:27:19 PST (GMT -0800)
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