It seems harmless at first sight, but is fake snow (aka instant snow) safe for the environment? Well, it mainly depends on what your instant snow is made from.

To begin with, we’re going to rule out fake snow that is made from water and used on ski slopes and such. Whilst this does also fit the definition of fake snow, it’s not what this article is about. We’re taking about fake snow that is made from sodium polyacrylate or similar polymers. This is the stuff that expands many times its original size when water is added to it.

Most fake snow is made from sodium polyacrylate. So, if you have a product that doesn’t specify the materials used then err on the side of caution and treat as you would if it were sodium polyacrylate snow.

Sodium polyacrylate is a safe and non toxic material. It has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help grow fruit and vegetables. The material has been used for many decades by farmers looking to retain water content in their soil.

Is Sodium Polyacrylate Fake Snow Biodegradable?

This really depends on the time-frame you’re using.

In the best case situation, fake snow made from sodium polyacrylate might fully decompose within 10 to 20 years.

This best case scenario has the snow in a wet and oxygenated environment, with the addition of UV rays from the sun to help break apart the polymer chains. This isn’t likely to be the case, because who has the time to leave instant snow out on a tray for a decade or longer!

The time-frame is so wide because it is difficult to find studies that have been done on sodium polyacrylate degradation.

Note: Many manufacturers and suppliers imply that their instant snow is easily biodegradable. This is not the case if it is made from sodium polyacrylate.

Are Other Types Of Fake Snow Safe For The Environment?

This depends on what the snow is made from, as there are many different recipes. Some recipes are made up of solely organic compounds, and these are fully biodegradable and perfectly safe. Others mix organic with inorganic materials, and these may only partially be biodegradable.

Baking Soda & Shaving Cream

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is fully biodegradable. However, many shaving cream brands contain inorganic chemicals that may not break down very quickly. Shaving creams usually contain hydrocarbons for use as a propellant (and these are a source of greenhouse gasses).

Baking Soda & Conditioner

This recipe replaces shaving cream with conditioner. It’s generally a safe recipe when it comes to the environment.

Baking Soda & Cornstarch

A fully organic recipe that is safe for the environment and fully biodegradable.

Is Sodium Polyacrylate Fake Snow Safe For Humans?

Generally speaking, yes it is safe for humans. This type of instant snow is non-toxic, and if eaten it won’t be absorbed by the body. It also won’t readily stick together into one large clump which helps to reduce the potential for a dangerous blockage within the body.

This doesn’t mean that it’s totally safe to eat. If you (or a child) does eat it, then it will expand and could cause vomiting.

Also remember that the digestive tracts of young children or toddlers are not as developed as adults. There is more chance (albeit a small one) of a blockage if large amounts of instant snow are eaten.

Is Sodium Polyacrylate Fake Snow Safe For Pets?

In most cases, yes. As mentioned earlier, it’s non toxic and won’t be absorbed if ingested. It doesn’t taste like anything edible so your pets aren’t likely to want to eat it. Finally, if it is ingested it’s unlikely to cause a blockage as the particles are tiny, and don’t stick together.

Don’t worry too much if you think your pet has licked up a few particles.

If your pet has eaten more than a teaspoon then proceed with caution. Watch them for signs of vomiting and be prepared to visit the vet if required.

How Should I Dispose of Fake Snow?

It’s best to either dry it out so that it can be reused, or wrap it up and throw it in the trash.

It’s a bit of a shame to have to throw your instant snow away, as it’ll end up in a landfill somewhere, and then sit there for decades (or centuries even). The reason for such a long time-frame is that landfills generally lack oxygen, water, sunlight, and microorganisms. Without these the process to degrade the polymer takes much longer.

How Do I Dry Out and Reuse My Fake Snow?

Place your instant snow on a tray, out of direct sunlight, but somewhere dry and warm. If you have a dehumidifier on hand this will speed the process up.

How NOT To Dispose of Instant Snow

Don’t Put Instant Snow Down The Drain

If you try putting fake snow down the drain you risk causing a blockage. This has happened before with water beads (which are also made out of sodium polyacrylate) and could well happen with fake snow too.

If you have put some down your drain then you should attempt to flush it through your system with water. If this does not work, then try salt water instead as this will shrink the polymer that the snow is made from.

Don’t Mix Instant Snow With Garden Soil

Even though fake snow is a hydrogel, and hydrogels have been used in agriculture for a long time, we don’t recommend trying to mix it into your garden soil. The reason being, if you add too much you risk permanently and negatively changing your soil structure. Basically, too much will result in your garden becoming a marsh every time it rains.

There is no easy way to separate fake snow particles from soil particles, so, if you do this and ruin your soil then you would have to remove the topsoil completely and then lay new soil.

Feel free to use it on a small scale in garden pots though, as this is not risky and the snow is beneficial in maintaining soil water content.

In Conclusion:

In conclusion, fake snow (that’s made from sodium polyacrylate) is safe for the environment if used and then disposed of in the correct manner. It is biodegradable, but the time-frame for this is in the decades.

Orbeez (aka water beads) can be stored in their dehydrated or hydrated form, and the process for storing differs depending on which form they are stored in.

Storing hydrated orbeez is a good idea if you are thinking about using them in the near future, as you won’t need to wait 5 or so hours for them to grow again. However, storing dehydrated orbeez is a good idea if you have no immediate plans to use them and want them to last as long as possible.

How to Store Hydrated (Enlarged) Orbeez

We recommend storing your hydrated orbeez in an airtight container. This will help to keep contaminants away from the orbeez and increase their life expectancy. They should be stored with enough water to cover the beads, as otherwise they will shrink very slowly due to osmosis (the same mechanism that allows the water beads to enlarge in the first place). Keep the container out of sunlight to prevent the water beads from being damaged by UV rays.

Be aware that hydrated orbeez make a great environment for fungus and bacteria to grow. Thus, if you see any black spots appearing on them, or if they start to look cloudy, you should throw them out. It’s more likely that microbes will start growing in the container if you didn’t use distilled water when hydrating them, or, if you used/played with the water beads before storing them.

How to Store Dehydrated Orbeez

This is a much simpler process. If your orbeez have not been used then they can stay in the packet. Make sure the packet is left somewhere dry and out of sunlight and they will last many years.

If you have taken them out of the packet and not used them, then put them in a ziplock bag or any other airtight container before placing them out of sunlight and in a dry area.

If your orbeez have been hydrated, and then shrunk back down into their dehydrated state then the process of storing is pretty much the same as it is with beads that have never been used. You just need to make sure that you have shrunk them fully, as any water left in the orbeez will increase the risk of microbial contamination.

How to Dehydrate Your Orbeez

The process is very simple. Take your orbeez and place them on a flat surface, such as an oven tray (one with high sides is preferable to prevent the orbeez rolling off). Make sure your orbeez are only one layer deep, as this will speed up the process.

Note: You may use a dehumidifier to help speed up the process. Place it near the water beads and leave it running.

It’s best to leave your tray of orbeez out of direct sunlight as we have found that the sun, or more precisely the UV rays from the sun, degrades the beads and causes them to break apart.

After a few days they will have shrunk down to their original size. Be aware that some poor quality water beads might not survive the process, and become cracked or crumble.

How to Rehydrate Your Orbeez

This is done exactly the same as when you made them originally. There is no difference. Just make sure to use distilled water for best results (tap water is fine too, but it’s generally not as clean).

Common Questions:

How Many Times Can You Reuse Orbeez?

Some websites state that you can keep on rehydrating them and dehydrating forever, but, realistically this isn’t possible. You’ll probably be able to do it 2 or 3 times before they become too damaged or contaminated with bacteria/fungus.

Can I Add a Little Salt or Rubbing Alcohol to Make Them Last Longer?

There’s no definitive answer for this yet. Some people recommend this, and it would work to an extent as both salt and alcohol are antimicrobial. But, the salt and alcohol will shrink orbeez slightly so take that into account. It might be worth trying if you plan on using them as decorations.

Note: The manufacturer does also recommend adding a little salt when growing them.

Should I Reuse Orbeez That Have Been Used Outside or With Plants?

It’s probably best to throw these away, as they will certainly have been contaminated with microbes.

So you’ve managed to eat some Orbeez (aka water beads). Not the brightest idea, but you’ll probably be fine. There are a few factors you should consider, such as your age and the size of the water beads. You’ll also need an idea of the number you consumed, as well as whether you aspirated any (this means whether you got any of them into your lungs).

Your Age Matters

For the majority of people, your age correlates with the size of your digestive tract. Babies and toddlers are small, and they also have a small/narrow digestive tract which makes them high risk when it comes to eating water beads. Children and young teenagers have a more robust digestive tract and they’ll most likely be fine. Adults should have no trouble passing orbeez, so long as they are normal sized and not of the ‘giant’ variety.

Please note, for this article we will only discuss what happens with teenagers and adults. If you are interested in what to do if your baby/toddler/child has eaten water beads then please check out our article here.

The Size Of The Orbeez Matters

Most orbeez are about half an inch in diameter when enlarged in water. This is good news as pretty much anyone who isn’t a baby or toddler can pass them safely. Some orbeez can get much larger. Often these larger balls are referred to as ‘giant orbeez’ or ‘giant water beads’ and they are a danger to everyone if consumed.

Thankfully, extra large orbeez are rare so we won’t go into detail about them here. However, if you have eaten one, or more, then you should visit the doctor immediately.

Did You Eat Dry Orbeez or Enlarged Ones?

This matters quite a bit as small dry water beads will effect you differently than ones which have already been enlarged in water.

If you eat them enlarged then they are a choking hazard, albeit not a serious one due to their shape. Being small, round and slippery they are quite easy to cough out if they get lodged in your throat. You also won’t be able to eat that many before you start to feel full.

If you eat them small and in their dehydrated form then they aren’t really a choking hazard, unless it’s a baby or perhaps small child eating them. However, they do become a slight risk factor when it comes to passing them through your digestive tract. You can potentially eat dozens, if not hundreds of Orbeez in their dehydrated state. Once inside your stomach they will swell in size over a period of a few hours. Thankfully, they won’t become fully sized as your stomach is full of acid which is not conducive to the growth of Orbeez. Still, even if they only grow to a 1/4 inch, that’s enough to full up your stomach and cause vomiting.

Did You Aspirate Any Orbeez?

The serious danger with consuming small and dehydrated Orbeez really comes from aspirating them. Getting them into your lungs can become a big problem if they get stuck there and enlarge in size from the surrounding moisture. You could suffer from pain, localized swelling or even slight difficulty in breathing. See a doctor immediately you believe that you have aspirated Orbeez or their generic counterparts, water beads.

What Is The Process Of Passing Orbeez Once They Have Made It To The Stomach?

Any Orbeez that aren’t vomited out will pass through you over the next 48 hours or so. Thankfully, Orbeez are non toxic and won’t react with anything in your body. Furthermore, they don’t stick together which mostly eliminates the chance of a blockage. As the Orbeez pass through your intestines they will shrink even further as liquid is drawn out of them. They will safely leave your body in your stool.

Can You Eat Obeez To Lose Weight?

Well, you can but it isn’t a good idea. I realize that we have spent most of the article telling you not to worry too much about eating them, but that doesn’t mean you should.

Water beads have no nutritional content. If you eat them on a regular basis to make yourself feel full then you’ll be starving yourself of the nutrients you need. It’s much wiser to simply go on a diet and fill yourself up with healthy low calorie vegetables.

If you eat too many then you may find yourself vomiting them up 4 or 5 hours later after they have expanded. Embarrassing to say the least.

The main reason though, as mentioned above, is the risk of aspirating them if you eat them in their dry state. Now this is very dangerous, so keep Orbeez out of your mouth!

In Conclusion:

For the majority of people, eating Orbeez is not a serious issue and won’t require medical intervention. However, there is some risk from aspirating them in their dry state.

So your dog has decided to chow down on some water beads (aka Orbeez) and you’re wondering whether a visit to the vet will be required. Thankfully, in most cases that will be a no. However, it does depend on a few factors.

Water beads are made from a safe, stable and non toxic material. They won’t dissolve in your dog’s stomach or be absorbed by the intestines. However, there is the possibility of a blockage as the water beads make their way through your dog’s gastro-intestinal tract (this does depend on the size of the water beads as well as the size of your dog).

Most water beads will only grow to between 7 and 15mm (about half an inch) in diameter, and these ones are usually not an issue for most dogs. However, some water beads (often sold as “giant orbeez”) can grow much larger, and with this increase in size comes an increase in the chance of a dangerous blockage.

It’s important to note that the digestive tract of a dog won’t allow water beads to grow to their full size. Water beads won’t reach their full size in stomach acid. They’ll also slightly shrink in size when passing through the intestines as liquid is drawn out of the beads.

Are Normal Sized Orbeez Dangerous To Small Dogs?

Normal sized orbeez (aka water beads) grow to between 7 and 15mm in diameter. These are a danger to most small dogs as small dogs have a narrower digestive tract. A water bead of only 7mm in diameter may cause choking in tiny dog breeds such as the Papillon or Pomeranian.

If your small dog manages to eat dehydrated water beads (which might only be 1mm in diameter in their dehydrated state) then the water beads will make it into the stomach and then grow in size. Once they have enlarged they may not pass through your dog. As mentioned previously, water beads won’t reach their full size in the digestive tract but there is still a risk of a blockage in tiny and small dogs.

Be ready to visit the vet on short notice if you believe your tiny/small dog has eaten water beads.

Are Normal Sized Orbeez Dangerous To Medium and Large Dogs?

Normal sized water beads will likely not be a danger for medium (e.g. Border Collie) and large dog breeds (e.g. Labrador). If normal sized water beads are chewed up and swallowed, then they will usually pass through your dog with no issues.

If the water beads are swallowed whole whilst in their dehydrated state, they should still pass safely through your dog. They will enlarge in size in the stomach, but not to their full size. Your dog may vomit them up if too many have been eaten.

Regardless of this, you should be on the lookout. Don’t leave your dog on its own if you think it has eaten water beads. If you see signs of gagging or continued attempts to vomit without results then you should visit your vet.

Giant Obeez Are Dangerous To All Dogs

There is no set definition of what constitutes a giant water bead. We describe them as anything large than 50mm (about 2 inches) in diameter once enlarged.

Giant water beads are a danger to all dogs, as their size is so great that they may not safely pass through the stomach or intestines of even large breeds (such as Labradors). It’s not possible for your dog to be able to swallow a hydrated giant water bead whole, but they could certainly swallow one or more when they’re in their dehydrated state (and then once inside your dog’s stomach they can absorb liquid and become enlarged).

If you suspect that your dog has swallowed giant water beads (giant orbeez) then you should be ready to visit the vet at short notice. Keep an eye on your dog and watch for signs of gagging or vomiting. Surgery may be required.

I Think My Dog Has Aspirated An Orbeez Bead! What Should I Do?

Aspirating a water bead is different than swallowing one. When aspirated, the water bead will make it into the airway or lungs. This is very unlikely to happen, and if it does happen then your dog has a good chance of coughing it out.

However, if a water bead does make it into the lungs and gets lodged there then it can expand in size as it absorbs moisture. Even a small increase of 1/2mm could cause damage, localized swelling or lead to an infection.

If you believe this has happened, then you should visit the vet as soon as possible. An orbeez bead that has made it into the lungs should be removable via a bronchoscopy.

What About Cats! Are Orbeez Toxic/Dangerous to Cats?

All water beads, regardless of their size, are dangerous to cats. Cats are simply too small to safely pass water beads. They should be treated in the same manner as small dogs (see above).

The good news is that cats generally don’t try and eat everything they see so it’s not likely this situation will eventuate.

Other Helpful Tips:

Should I Allow My Dog/Cat To Drink If It Has Eaten Orbeez?

We would recommend getting guidance from your vet in regards to this question. Drinking water could cause the water beads to grow in size (as they grow larger in water when compared to stomach acid). However, drinking water may help in passing the water beads through the digestive tract.

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Eating Orbeez?

Always keep water beads out of reach of your dog. This means in a cupboard or on a high shelf. Water beads might not taste or smell great to a dog but this doesn’t mean they won’t try eating them.

I personally own a Labrador and he attempted to eat a packet of orbeez on one occasion (most likely after mistaking it for a bag of food). Thankfully, there were no issues.

What Should I Expect At The Vet?

If you take your pet to the vet because they have ingested water beads then you should expect the vet to do an ultrasound to locate the water beads. With this information they should be able to decide whether intervention is required.

An x-ray may also be done. However, it will most likely show an inconclusive result due to the physical properties of hydrated orbeez. Dehydrated orbeez that are stuck in the lungs may show up on an x ray though.

In Conclusion:

Whist Orbeez are non toxic to dogs, they are a danger to small dogs if ingested as they may cause a blockage. They are also a danger to all dogs if aspirated (get into the lungs).

Orbeez (aka water beads) are generally safe for the environment if used and then disposed of in the correct manner.

Orbeez are a safe and non-toxic product. They are made from sodium polyacrylate, the use of which has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help grow fruit and vegetables. The material has been used for many decades by farmers looking to retain water content in their soil.

Are Orbeez Biodegradable?

This is a debatable question, as it depends on your definition of biodegradable. Over time, orbeez will break down, but it is a process that takes many years, if not decades. Furthermore, they need the correct conditions to break down. Being wet (and fully expanded in water) speeds the process up as the beads are much more susceptible to breaking apart. Also, being in direct sunlight (and being exposed to the subsequent UV rays) will cause the beads to degrade more quickly.

There are also some types of fungi and bacteria that consume the base material of orbeez (sodium polyacrylate).

Overall, we would say that orbeez are biodegradable, as they fit the definition. However, it is a very slow process, even under optimal conditions.

How Long Does It Take For Orbeez to Decompose?

If your orbeez are wet and in direct sunlight you will see them start to break apart within weeks. They will quickly lose their internal structure and turn into slush. This slush will continue to break down over a period of a few years to decades depending on the conditions.

If your water beads are mixed into soil they will last a few years to decades, depending on whether they are subjected to sunlight. They will last much longer if you mix them deep into the soil rather than near the surface where they may be exposed to sunlight.

If you decide to throw your water beads into the trash then they could last decades or maybe even centuries. Most trash goes to landfills, and once the water beads are buried they will never see sunlight. They may also never be exposed to water or possibly even oxygen as landfills can be very dry and airtight. No water and oxygen means few or no microorganisms to help break the water beads down.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t throw them in the trash. In fact, we actually recommend it if you don’t plan on using them again. Water beads are tiny, with perhaps 60 grams (2 ounces) in a regular packet. This is little more than a few coffee cup lids.

Are Orbeez Safe For Animals & Fish?

In general, they are not safe for animals and fish. Whilst they are non toxic, they are a choking hazard. They are also a danger if eaten as they can block up the digestive tract of small animals and fish. It is because of this that we recommend you don’t dispose of them by mixing them into garden soil (unless it’s into potted plants in your house).

You can read more about whether orbeez are toxic to dogs here.

How Should I Dispose Of Orbeez?

We recommend two methods of disposing of your water beads. Dry them out so that you may reuse them at a later date, or, wrap them up and put them in the trash.

How Do I Dry Out And Reuse My Orbeez?

Place your orbeez in a dry place and out of direct sunlight. It’s best to have a single layer of beads as this will speed up the process. If you have a dehumidifier on hand then this will also help – just put it near the orbeez and turn it on.

It’s recommended that you don’t try to dry them out in direct sunlight. UV radiation from the sun has a strong effect on water beads and it will weaken their internal structure over time causing them to break apart.

You should allow a few days for the orbeez to completely shrink in size. Once they have shrunk you can place them in a container for use at a later date.

How Should I Put My Orbeez In The Trash?

It’s best not to carelessly throw them in your trash as loose water beads have a tendency to get all over the place. If your bin gets knocked over by someone they will go everywhere. Instead, just wrap them up in paper or an old plastic bag and place them in the bin. We recommend this as the best way of disposing of your water beads (if you don’t plan on reusing them that is).

Tips On How Not To Dispose Of Your Orbeez:

Don’t Flush Orbeez Down Your Toilet Or Wastewater System

If you flush your water beads (aka orbeez) down your pipes you risk causing a blockage. This is something that has happened before, and it’s not always easy to fix. Just check out this Youtuber who had orbeez backing out of his bath, toilet and even out of the storm water drains in the street!

Furthermore, anything put down your plumbing might get out into the environment and then be mistaken for food by wildlife.

Don’t Mix Orbeez Into Your Garden Soil

Some websites recommend mixing our used water beads into garden soil as a means of retaining water content. Whilst this will work to some extent, it’s not a great idea.

Orbeez are not safe for small animals that may mistake them for food.

Orbeez will also turn into a slush before they fully degrade. This slush will continue to hold and release water. If you mix a lot of water beads into your garden you run the risk of turning it into a marsh every time it rains.

Don’t Put Your Water Beads Into The Recycling

Water beads are generally not recyclable, at least not by any recycling plants that we know of. If you put them into your recycling then you risk contaminating not only your recycling but also the recycling in the dump truck too.

Side note – orbeez are made from sodium polyacrylate which is generally not considered to be a plastic.

Don’t Store Enlarged Orbeed For Long Periods Of Time

Long term storage of hydrated orbeez risks microbial contamination. This is from bacteria and also fungi. You may store water beads for a short time in your fridge when they are not in use, but you should always check to make sure they aren’t contaminated before reusing them.

Some websites recommend adding a little alcohol or salt to help stave off fungi, but we have not tested this so cannot comment on how effective it is. Please note, that adding salt or alcohol to enlarged water beads will shrink their size.

In Conclusion

Orbeez are safe for the environment if used and then discarded in the appropriate manner. Orbeez are generally considered to be biodegradable, and they will usually biodegrade in a few years to a few decades (and possibly as long as a century or centuries in some cases). It is best to reuse your water beads, but if this is not an option then putting them in the trash is the second best option.