Method of Disposal of hot water soluble utensils

Abstract

A method of disposing of utensils after use. The utensils are provided as molded, formed or extruded articles which are only water soluble at temperatures above 37° C. After use, the utensils are subjected to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve them whereupon the water and dissolved articles are subjected to sewer disposal.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method of disposing of utensils after use said utensils comprising molded, formed or extruded articles being water soluble .[.tat.]. .Iadd.at .Iaddend.temperatures only above 37° C., and not below 37° C., said method comprising subjecting said utensils after use to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve said utensils whereupon said water and dissolved utensils are subjected to disposal wherein said utensils are composed of one or more members selected from the group consisting of propyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol and copolymers of polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl alcohol which have been highly crystallized by postdrawing or .Iadd.by .Iaddend.heat annealing. 
     
     
       2. A method of disposing of utensils after use said utensils comprising molded, formed or extruded articles being water soluble at temperatures only above .[.37+ C.]. .Iadd.37° C..Iaddend., and not below 37° C., said method comprising subjecting said utensils after use to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve said utensils whereupon said water and dissolved utensils are subjected to disposal wherein said utensils are composed of highly crystallized polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, said crystallization being carried out by postdrawing or by heat annealing.