How to Dispose of a Condom

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Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Medically reviewed by Lacy Windham, MD

Last Updated: June 30, 2025 Fact Checked

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Disposing of a Condom

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Avoiding Common Mistakes

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Video

Disposing of a condom is more involved than you think. Though there is only one good place to dispose of a condom, the act of disposal merits much thought. Don't risk pregnancy or infection by improperly disposing of your condoms.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Disposing of a Condom

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1
Remove the condom correctly. A used condom still poses the risk of pregnancy and illness, so it’s important to remove it so the fluids inside do not spill out. Follow these steps to removing a condom properly:
- For a male condom, remove with the tip pointed down. If you pull off just by the ring of the condom, it can come off inside-out. Pull from the tip, and gently ease the ring off, holding the condom against the base of your penis while you pull. ^{[1]
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  Research source} Condoms with a reservoir tip are specially designed to help retain fluids at the tip of the condom, and they may help this process.
- For a female condom , squeeze and twist the outer ring so that the fluids do not leak out. Pull the condom out gently. The inner ring of the female condom should help to hold any fluids in. ^{[2]
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  MedlinePlus
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- Beyond this initial removal, the process for disposing of both male and female condoms is the same.
Tie a used condom the same way you would tie off a balloon. Make a loop near the opening, and then pull the ring of the condom opening through the loop to seal it off. This also helps limit odor as well as spillage. ^{[3]
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Place the used, tied-off condom in a tissue or paper towel. ^{[4]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} This helps keep your hand clean and prevents unwanted odors.
4
Put the condom in the garbage. The best and safest way to dispose of a used condom is to put it in the trash. This prevents other hands from getting to it, eliminating the risk of infection. ^{[5]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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- Never throw a condom in the toilet, as this can clog the pipes.
- Avoid putting condoms in the recycling bin. Condoms are not recyclable. ^{[6]
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- Wash your hands immediately after handling a used condom.
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Take out the trash . For the comfort of guests or those with whom you share living spaces, take the trash out after disposing of a condom. If you leave a used condom sitting around, it can begin to smell. A used condom can also be quite unpleasant to see unexpectedly. So, for discretion’s sake, empty the garbage bin right away if you can.
- Once you’ve disposed of the condom and trash, wash your hands to avoid spreading germs and/or infection. ^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Avoiding Common Mistakes

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1
Choose the right condom. Condoms are most commonly made from latex, polyurethane, nitrile, polyisoprene, or lambskin. Each has advantages and disadvantages, but all should be disposed of in the same way: tied off and placed in the garbage. Take a look at this information about the different types of condoms to pick the right one for you:
- Latex condoms are the most common. They’re durable and inexpensive; however, some people are allergic to them. ^{[8]
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  Cleveland Clinic
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- Polyurethane condoms are stronger than latex condoms and can be thinner. They’re a suitable replacement for people with latex allergies. However, they’re more brittle and expensive. ^{[9]
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  Science Direct
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- Nitrile condoms feel like latex and are relatively inexpensive. The material is often used for female condoms. ^{[10]
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  Cleveland Clinic
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- Polyisoprene condoms are made from synthetic rubber and have the consistency and strength of latex condoms without the allergens. ^{[11]
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  Cleveland Clinic
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- Lambskin condoms are a more biodegradable option that can help prevent pregnancy , but not STDs. ^{[12]
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  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source} Natural membrane condoms are not proper protection from sexually transmitted infections. Those seeking to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases should choose a latex, polyurethane, nitrile, or polyisoprene condom. ^{[13]
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EXPERT TIP

Jacqueline Hellyer
Licensed Psychosexual Therapist
Jacqueline Hellyer is a Licensed Psychosexual Therapist and the Founder of The Love Life Blog and The LoveLife Clinic. With over 20 years of experience, Jacqueline specializes in sex advice, sex tips, and relationship advice. In addition to being an accredited Psychosexual Therapist with the Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS), Jacqueline is also a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF). Jacqueline holds a BSc in Biochemistry and Human Sciences from The Australian National University, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Science from the University of Canberra, a BA in Languages and Literature from the University of New England (AU), an MSc in Sexual Health from The University of Sydney, and an MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology from The Alef Trust. Her work and expertise have been featured in Australian Men’s Health, Cosmopolitan, Australian Women’s Health, Marie Claire, and 60 Minutes.

Jacqueline Hellyer
Licensed Psychosexual Therapist

Purchase a variety pack of condoms to learn your preferences. If you’re new to using condoms, consider buying a variety pack that has multiple sizes and types. Then, experiment with each kind to learn what you like and don’t like.
2
Do not flush a condom down the toilet. Never dispose of a condom by flushing it down the toilet. Most condoms are not biodegradable, and they can clog pipes. ^{[14]
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- If you do flush a condom down the toilet, a professional will likely have to be hired to remove it and restore damaged or clogged pipes.
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Do not throw condoms away outside. Never dispose of a condom by leaving it on the ground or anywhere outdoors. Used condoms are considered a bio-hazard and can cause infection and disease. ^{[15]
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- Always throw a condom away where it’s out of reach of children and animals.
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Do not compost biodegradable condoms. While some condoms are biodegradable (specifically lambskin condoms), they shouldn’t be disposed of in compost. Even biodegradable condoms take a very long time to break down. ^{[16]
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Research source} Plus, used condoms are considered biohazardous waste and can pose a threat to wildlife. ^{[17]
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- Compositing condoms can attract animals, and if ingested, condoms can harm animals.
Unfortunately, condoms themselves and the foil wrappers containing them are not recyclable. Avoid placing any part of a condom in the recycling. Always dispose of a condom and its packaging in the trash. ^{[18]
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Research source}
Condoms cannot be reused or recycled. ^{[19]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source} Though companies are focusing on making more sustainable condoms, the technology isn’t quite there yet. So, never recycle or reuse a condom. Always throw a condom away in the trash and use a new one whenever you have intercourse. ^{[20]
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