Can You Recycle Toothbrushes?

Can You Recycle Toothbrushes?

Last reviewed by Sarah Chen on 01 April 2026

Standard plastic toothbrushes aren't curbside recyclable. TerraCycle runs a free toothbrush recycling program, or switch to bamboo toothbrushes.

Toothbrushes are typically made from hard plastics like polypropylene and nylon, which makes them tricky to recycle through kerbside collections in the UK or curbside programs in the US. These materials often contain additives that make it difficult for recyclers to process them efficiently without damaging their machinery.

According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022.

Why Toothbrushes Isn't Easy to Recycle

Toothbrushes are usually made from hard plastics like polypropylene and nylon, which can be challenging to recycle due to contamination concerns and the lack of specific recycling facilities. These materials often include additives that complicate processing at standard recycling plants.

Manufacturers add chemicals and dyes to create toothbrushes with desirable characteristics such as durability and colour. However, these enhancements make it harder for recyclers to separate and clean the plastics effectively. For instance, a study published in 2019 found that only about 8% of polypropylene products are recycled globally (Environmental Science & Technology).

How to Recycle Toothbrushes Properly

To recycle toothbrushes properly, you can join TerraCycle's free recycling program or look for similar initiatives. First, collect your used toothbrushes and place them in a designated box. Then, send the box to TerraCycle for processing.

Alternatively, consider local drop-off points offered by organisations like Bristle Recycle in the UK. toothbrushes accepts a wide range of dental products for recycling, including toothbrushes and floss containers.

Another option is to check with your local community centre or waste management facility about any special recycling drives they might organise for hard-to-recycle items like toothbrushes.

Alternatives to Throwing Toothbrushes Away

If you're looking to reduce the number of plastic toothbrushes in landfills, consider switching to bamboo toothbrushes. These are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact than traditional plastic models.

You can also try reusing old toothbrushes for household cleaning tasks like scrubbing grout or reaching into tight corners. This extends their useful life beyond brushing teeth.

Another practical alternative is donating your used but still functional toothbrushes to organisations that distribute them to those in need, such as homeless shelters and refugee camps.

FAQ

Q: Are bamboo toothbrushes better for the environment? A: Yes, bamboo toothbrushes are more sustainable because they're biodegradable and don't rely on plastic production. When you're done with a bamboo toothbrush, simply compost it or dispose of it in your green waste bin.

Q: Can I recycle my old electric toothbrush heads? A: Most recycling programs don't accept battery recycling guide-operated parts due to the presence of small battery recycling guide and electronics. However, TerraCycle offers specific programmes for disposing of these items safely and sustainably.

Q: What should I do with my child's colourful plastic toothbrushes? A: Collect your children's colourful plastic toothbrushes and send them to TerraCycle or a similar programme. These brushes contain the same hard-to-recycle plastics as adult models, so proper disposal is important for reducing waste.

Sources

• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
• Consumer Technology Association
• Counterpoint Research