James-- Tide Pods containers are recyclable, as with liquid jugs. P&G was working on pods with no outer packaging, but haven't heard if/when they'll come to market. They're packaged as a sheet with perforations around each dose. I'm assuming the casing is reinforced so they don't open unintentionally. Interesting concept, but whether they can make it work is another story.
The inability to dose is only an issue for me with very small loads---a couple of shirts, for instance. Otherwise, they work well in my softened water and the new Turbo pods rinse very well for me. No problems using them with the Frigidaire's 20-minute Quick cycle.
I used pods exclusively for at least a year and had no problems with them dissolving. As mentioned elsewhere, my Frigidaire front-loader doesn't tumble before water enters, and the recirculating jet helps them dissolve very efficiently, even when washing comforters. They may not work as well in other machines. If a washer tumbles quite a bit before water enters, that would probably increase the chance of the pod landing up front on the boot.
As for people misusing them---putting them in the dispenser; using two pacs instead of one---the simple instructions for use are clear. Toss the pod toward the back of the empty tub, then add load. The fault lies with the user, not the pod in these cases.
If the powers that be decide pods are too dangerous, or if manufacturers stop making them, I'll just go back to liquids/powders. I appreciate the ease and convenience of using pods, but I wouldn't shed tears if they went away.
I'm not aware of refillable detergents, at least where I live. That sounds like a great option, although there's still a relatively heavy plastic bag to dispose of.
The poisoning issue is certainly cause for concern, but there are no children in the house and I've not been tempted to bite into one, so far.
Jon-- I have never washed my hands after handling pods. No problems as long as hands are dry.
[this post was last edited: 8/8/2015-12:46]
