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Disposable product

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A disposable (also called disposable product ) is a product designed for a single use after which it is recycled or is disposed as solid waste. The term is also sometimes used for products that may last several months (e.g. disposable air filters) to distinguish from similar products that last indefinitely (e.g. washable air filters). The word "disposables" is not to be confused with the word "consumables", which is widely used in the mechanical world. For example, welders consider welding rods, tips, nozzles, gas, etc. to be "consumables", as they last only a certain amount of time before needing to be replaced. Consumables are needed for a process to take place, such as inks for printing and welding rods for welding, while disposable products are products that can be thrown away after it becomes damaged or otherwise unuseful.

Etymology

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"Disposable" is an adjective meaning something not reusable but is disposed of after use. Many people now use the term as a noun or substantive, i.e. "a disposable" but in reality this is still an adjective as the noun (product, nappy, etc.) is implied. Disposable income is the amount of money left over from one's salary or pay for spending, saving or whatever, after all living costs have been taken out.

Materials

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Disposable products are most often made from paper, plastic, cotton, or polystyrene foam. Products made from composite materials such as laminations are difficult to recycle and are more likely to be disposed of at the end of their use.

Examples of disposables

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Kitchen and dining products edit Aluminum foil and aluminum pans Disposable dishware / drinkware (e.g. plates, bowls, cups) Plastic cutlery (e.g. spoons, knives, forks, sporks) Disposable table cloth Inexpensive tupperware products are reusable Cupcake wrappers, coffee filters are compostable Drinking straws Packaging edit Packages are usually intended for a single use. The waste hierarchy call for minimization of materials. Many package forms and materials are suited to recycling although the actual recycling percentages are relatively low in many regions. Reuse and repurposing of packaging is increasing but eventually, containers will be recycled, composted, incinerated, or landfilled. There are many container forms such as boxes, bottles, jars, bags, etc. Materials include paper, plastics, metals, fabrics, composites, etc. Food service industry disposables edit In 2002, Taiwan began taking action to reduce the use of disposable tableware at institutions and businesses, and t