Electric toothbrush heads may be small, but they can have a big impact on the environment if not disposed of properly. Curbside recycling programs typically do not accept these items, but a variety of specialized recycling schemes can help you recycle responsibly. We took a question from an earthling named Jan in Seattle and found plenty of options for giving your toothbrush bristles a second life.
The bristles are made of plastic, and the bristles are made of nylon. Whether a traditional toothbrush or an electric brush with replaceable heads, these materials should be separated before recycling to avoid contaminating each other during processing. program below
Oral-B Recycling Program
- What is allowed: Refillable toothbrush heads, plastic toothbrush, toothpaste tube, mouthwash container, dental floss container, dental floss pick.
- not allowed: Electric toothbrush body, battery toothbrush body, toothbrush handle.
- How it works: Send used items to Oral-B. Local curbside services may accept outside takeout.
- Learn more
Philips Dental Recycling Scheme
- What is allowed: Electric toothbrush head, cover, dental floss nozzle, dental floss stick, interdental brush, manual toothbrush.
- not allowed: Toothpaste tube, cap, toothbrush handle, battery.
- How it works: Collect the items and send them to the Philips recycling program.
- Learn more
TerraCycle Oral Care Recycling Program
- What is allowed: Toothpaste tube, cap, manual toothbrush, electric toothbrush head, dental floss container, interdental brush.
- memo: This program, which is also open to dentists, is suspended until January 15, 2025. Email TerraCycle to join the waitlist.
- Learn more
Live Coco Recycling Program
- What is allowed: Live Coco electric toothbrush head made of recyclable thermoplastic material.
- How it works: Customers in some countries can send used LiveCoco products to designated recycling centers.
- Learn more
SURI Plant-Based Recycling Program
- What is allowed: Repair vegetable toothbrush bristles.
- How it works:
- To return used heads, please use a prepaid compostable mailing bag.
- The materials are separated, sterilized and converted into pellets or spools.
- Recycled materials are used to create new SURI heads.
- Learn more
Brushd Recycling Program
- What is allowed: Brush compatible electric toothbrush head (Oral-B, Philips Sonicare).
- How it works: Used heads can be recycled using prepaid labels.
- Learn more
Recycling your electric toothbrush head requires taking the time to choose the right program based on the brand and material used in the head. To ensure proper recycling, follow each program’s specific instructions. By participating, you will contribute to a cleaner planet and help reduce plastic waste.
