What Does Fully Disposable Mean?

You may have seen many piercing studios say that they are fully disposable, but what does this actually mean?

A studio with a disposable set-up is one that does not reuse any of its tools. In a fully disposable studio, any instrument used during a procedure is immediately disposed of, meaning everything is brand new each time. Disposable set-ups are most often used by those who primarily work freehand, but disposable tools such as clamps are available to those who wish to use them.

A piercing studio that reprocesses its instruments follows an in-depth cleaning procedure once they have been used. This includes both chemical and mechanical processes, followed by sterilisation. Reprocessing tools comes with some risks, including contact with contaminated equipment, chemical exposure and waste, and human error that can lead to improper cleaning.

There are concerns about the environmental impact of going disposable, but it is completely possible to do so sustainably. Personally, I only choose tools that can either be recycled, are biodegradable, or can be placed directly into my sharps bin. Water wastage and potential water contamination are substantially reduced due to the lack of need for reprocessing tools.

Going disposable is a fantastic way to reduce waste overall. Less water, fewer chemicals, less PPE and less plastic. Most importantly, it only leads to a safer piercing environment for both the clients and the piercer.