Dental Floss Curbside Trash Never Flush Floss Floss doesn’t break down when flushed and can combine with other materials to clog drains. Ways to Reduce Skip the Picks Floss picks create unnecessary plastic waste. Skip the picks and opt for traditional floss, which is a lower waste option. Choose Natural Floss Generic floss is typically made out of nylon, a synthetic plastic material that won’t break down over time. Reduce the amount of plastic that builds up in our environment by choosing natural, biodegradable floss made from silk instead. Choose Reusable or Recyclable Containers Many types of floss now come in refillable glass containers or recyclable cardboard containers instead of the plastic, disposable ones. To minimize your footprint, choose a type of floss that generates minimal packaging waste.