From Ecopedia

Overview

A latex condom is a balloon-like device used during sexual intercourse to prevent the likelihood of pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) such as HIV, syphillis, and gonorrhea. When used correctly, a condom is placed on a man's erect penis and acts as a physical barrier of protection, which blocks direct contact of bodily organs and also blocks ejaculated semen from entering the body of the sexual partner.

Male Condoms typically have a reservoir tip at the end which is designated to collect the ejaculated semen. While condoms come in a variety of different shapes and sizes, most condoms have a lubricated coating on the outside, inside, or both. Most are made of latex, though polyurethand and lambskin condoms are also widely available.

Environmental Information

While somewhat bio-degradabale, latex condoms damage the environment when they are not disposed of properly. According to the Ocean Conservancy, condoms have been found covering coral reefs and smothering sea grass and other sea-floor dwelling creatures when not disposed of correctly. Additionally, when condoms are not disposed of correctly, certain animals may mistake condoms for food and may face extreme harm due to suffocation or indigestion.

Condoms which are made of polyurethane will not bio-degrade at all. It is also important to note that every condom, regardless of the material, will come in a wrapper made of foil, which will not bio-degrade nor is it recyclable, and so it therefore compiles in landfills and causes additional pollution. However, their mass in landfills are small, and are certainly offset by the enormous health protection that they offer.

Correct Disposal

Latex condoms should be never be disposed of by means of flushing them down the toilet, nor by leaving them outdoors or in places which are accessible to small children or animals such as parks or streets. To properly dispose of a latex condom, you should wrap them in another bio-degradable material such as toilet paper and simply place them in the trash. Semen and vaginal fluid are also bio-degradable, and may speed the decomposition of latex condoms. It is important to note that latex condoms should not be wrapped in plastic when they are disposed of, as they will certainly not bio-degrade.

References

http://ezinearticles.com/?Condom-Sense:--Condoms-and-the-Environment&id=344965 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condom