Question 1

Can these be recycled or compost? And how many use before I dispose?

Accepted Answer

You can use them for quite a while  as the foam is fairly resilient and will still expand after being compressed even after many days, but when you pull them out of your ear after working around machinery at a jobsite or after sleeping they'll likely have residue of wax, dust, dirt, etc. that was in your ears so the number of times you want to reuse them may be dependent on how dirty they get.

I don't know about recycling or composting them. I'd check with 3M (the manufacturer) for that info. Although I know at least where I've lived in the past, the municipal recycling programs in the USA didn't accept foam. Also, composting is usually done with organic materials. They break down or are broken down over time and provide nutrients for other organics. These are inorganic foam and so I'm not sure what nutrients they would provide, but I'm not an expert on compost. Hope this helps.

Question 2

Has anyone used these while shooting? Thx

Accepted Answer

I sue them when shooting.  After inserting them, let them expand for a minute or so before you start shooting.

Question 3

Is there any functional difference between the colors? (larger/smaller.. firmer/softer.. etc)

Accepted Answer

Nope . . . they're the same thing, just different colors.  FWIW, I tend to wear the purple at concerts (not as visible in low light) and wear the orange when the visibility of the earplug is not a concern.

Question 4

Do these contain latex?

Accepted Answer

According to the helpful folks at 3M Technical Support (800-494-3552), this product is made from a polyurethane foam which does contain synthetic latex, but contains NO natural rubber.  If you're looking for another option, try the 3M Tekk 90579-00000T Protection Disposable Earplugs, 50-Pair . . . according to the same folks at 3M, these are made from PVC, with NO latex, synthetic or natural.

ASIN	B000I7LH8Y
Best Sellers Rank	#97,381 in Health & Household ( See Top 100 in Health & Household ) #377 in Earplugs
Brand Name	3M
Color	Orange, Purple
Customer Reviews	4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,090)
Global Trade Identification Number	00078371920593
Item Dimensions	1.8 x 4.8 x 8.4 inches
Item Form	Pair
Item Nype Name	3M 92059-80025T Disposable Earplugs, 80-Pair
Item Weight	3.36 ounces
Manufacturer	3M
Manufacturer Part Number	92059H80-DC
Material Type	Foam
Model Name	3M 92059-80025T Disposable Earplugs, 80-Pair
Model Number	92059H80
Net Content Count	1 count, 1 pair
Noise Attenuation	32 db
Noise Reduction Rating	32 db
Number of Items	1
Number of Pieces	80
Product Style	Uncorded
Recommended Uses For Product	Noise Protection
Reusability	Disposable
Single Number Rating	32 db
Size	80 Pair (Pack of 1)
UPC	078371920593
Unit Count	80 Count

Disposable Earplugs, 92059H80-DC, Multicolor, 80 Pairs/Pack, 6packs/case

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