How to recycle electric toothbrush heads

Electric toothbrush heads may be small, but they can have a big impact on our environment if not disposed of properly. While curbside recycling programs typically don’t accept these items, several dedicated recycling initiatives can help you recycle them responsibly. We received a question from an Earthling, Jan from Seattle, and found many ways to give your toothbrush heads a second life.

A toothbrush head is made of plastic and nylon is used for the bristles. Whether you have a traditional toothbrush or an electric brush with replaceable heads, these materials must be separated before recycling to ensure they do not contaminate each other during processing. The program below

Oral B recycling program

• Accepted articles: Refill brush heads, plastic toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, mouthwash containers, dental floss containers, dental floss sticks.
• Not accepted: Electric toothbrush bodies, battery toothbrush bodies and toothbrush handles.
• How it works: Send used items to Oral-B. Local curbside services may accept repackaging.
• Learn more

Philips Dental Recycling Program

• Accepted articles: Electric toothbrush heads, covers, floss nozzles, dental floss sticks, interdental brushes, manual toothbrushes.
• Not accepted: Toothpaste tubes, caps, toothbrush handles and batteries.
• How it works: Collect items and send them to the Philips recycling program.
• Learn more

TerraCycle Oral Care Recycling Program

• Accepted articles: toothpaste tubes, caps, manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrush heads, dental floss containers, interdental brushes.
• note: This program, which is also open to dental practices, is paused until January 15, 2025. Sign up for the waiting list by emailing TerraCycle.
• Learn more

LiveCoco recycling program

• Accepted articles: LiveCoco electric toothbrush heads made from recyclable thermoplastic.
• How it works: Customers in select countries can send their used LiveCoco items to designated centers for recycling.
• Learn more

SURI plant-based recycling program

• Accepted articles: SURI plant-based toothbrush heads.
• How it works:
  1. Use prepaid compostable mailers to return used heads.
  2. The materials are separated, sterilized and processed into pellets or coils.
  3. Recycled materials are used to make new SURI heads.
• Learn more

Brushd recycling program

• Accepted articles: Brushd compatible electric toothbrush heads (Oral-B and Philips Sonicare).
• How it works: Use the prepaid label to return used heads for recycling.
• Learn more

When recycling electric toothbrush heads, you need to take the time to choose the right program based on the brand and material used for the heads. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for each program to ensure proper recycling. By participating, you will contribute to a cleaner planet and reduce plastic waste.