It is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day to maintain oral hygiene.
However, to ensure your toothbrush continues to do an effective cleaning job you should be replacing the brush every three to four months.
Given toothbrushes do need to be replaced on average three or four times a year, as you can imagine thousands of plastic and electric toothbrushes end up in landfills each year.
The number of both manual and electric toothbrushes that are thrown away each year means that it is important to consider recycling options for your brushes.
Fortunately, the answer to the question ‘can you recycle a toothbrush?’ is yes. There are recycling options available that can minimise your impact on the environment.
Here, we look at everything you should consider around recycling your toothbrushes.
Why Recycle Your Toothbrush?
Recycling your toothbrush is vital for reducing waste and minimising environmental pollution.
Traditional plastic toothbrushes can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to plastic pollution. By recycling, your plastic toothbrush you can help decrease plastic waste.
Plastic toothbrushes, made from non-biodegradable materials like polypropylene and nylon, can also potentially even harm wildlife if disposed of improperly.
How to Recycle a Toothbrush
Recycling a toothbrush is easier than you might think. Check out these few steps you can do to help you recycle your toothbrush:
Check for Recycling Programmes
Many toothbrush manufacturers offer recycling programmes, where you can send in used toothbrushes for recycling. These programmes ensure that the plastic components are properly processed and repurposed, reducing the environmental impact.
Find Local Recycling Centres
Some local recycling centres accept toothbrushes as part of their plastic recycling programmes. You should check with your local waste management facility to find out if they accept toothbrushes.
Repurpose Old Toothbrushes
If recycling isn't an option locally for you then consider repurposing your old toothbrushes for household chores. They can be used for cleaning grout, scrubbing small areas, or even as a tool for cleaning jewellery.
Old toothbrushes are excellent for reaching tight spaces and can be used to clean items like keyboards, shoes, and kitchen appliances. By repurposing your toothbrush, you extend its life and reduce waste.
Alternatives to Plastic Toothbrushes
If you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact further, consider switching to eco-friendly alternatives to plastic toothbrushes.
Here are some options:
Bamboo Toothbrushes
Bamboo toothbrushes are a popular plant-based alternative. They have more biodegradable properties and could in some instances even be composted after use.
At Sustuff, our minimalist bamboo toothbrushes have bristles made from castor bean plants and are made with 100% biodegradable bamboo. The bio-nylon bristles may be able to be recycled, depending on your local options.
They have recycled aluminium handles which are durable and designed to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Our bamboo toothbrushes are available in two different colour options, eclipse black and jungle green, meaning our handles aren’t just designed to last they also have a stylish finish too.
All our toothbrushes come with three replacement heads. This means you can use the handle for longer and reduce waste. You can even subscribe and save on future replacement heads, available from £8.99.
Electric Toothbrushes with Replaceable Heads
Another alternative is using electric toothbrushes with replacement heads. While the base of the toothbrush is reusable, you only need to replace the brush head, which reduces overall waste.
Some brands offer recycling programmes for the brush heads, ensuring that they are properly processed and repurposed.
Take the next step to better brushing
Recycling your toothbrush is a simple yet effective way to reduce waste and protect the environment.
By participating in recycling programmes, finding local recycling centres, or repurposing old toothbrushes, you can make a positive impact.
Additionally, switching to plastic alternatives like bamboo toothbrushes can further reduce your environmental footprint.
Check out our range of bamboo toothbrushes available from £12.99 (price subject to change due to promotions) and find the perfect manual plastic alternative brush.