Lesbian Vibes

Image:  Freepik

I belong to a Facebook group for lesbians in the Pacific Northwest, and today a member posed an uncommon question.

Though "a little embarrassed to ask," she wanted to know "how are you supposed to dispose of old vibrators? I know we aren’t supposed to throw them away in the trash but that’s what I usually end up doing."

She chose to be anonymous. Big surprise.

Some responses were humorous, like throw them in the neighbor's trash, or white elephant them, or use them as dog toys.

Practical respondents suggested recycling the batteries, which frankly would've been the extent of my contribution.

I never underestimate lesbians on the topic of vibrators or the topic of recycling. But when those two disparate subjects are combined? For some sisters of Sappho, it's such an orgasmic moment they don't even need a vibrator.

One woman posted an article on recycling sex toys. A self-described "Sapphic toy reviewer" let us know, "Most companies have a recycling option where you can remove the motor and drop it off. The vibrator itself, without the motor, cannot be recycled and has to go in the waste."

In a completely cliched display of lesbianism, another woman replied, "They're e-waste. They should be taken to the proper e-waste facility, even if it's just an e-waste recycling bin like at some malls. It's worse to throw them away if their batteries and capacitors are still intact, but either way e-waste is pretty harmful for the environment."

Informed, technical, ardent, preachy. I read that and felt an unusual desire to wear Birkenstocks, read Adrienne Rich, and become an organic radish farmer.