In recent years, oral care has embraced a greener path. Innovative products have emerged to enhance dental health while respecting the planet, such as biodegradable dental floss, toothpaste tablets, and bamboo toothbrushes.
It’s widely understood that bamboo toothbrushes and electric ones with replaceable heads are more eco-friendly than manual plastic or single-use electric toothbrushes. But a debate persists. Which is the most sustainable choice — electric or bamboo?
Join us as we examine the environmental impact of bamboo and electric toothbrushes, including production, use, and disposal, to gauge which minimises the user’s footprint the most.
Manufacturing a toothbrush
Let’s start by looking at how these toothbrushes are made.
Electric toothbrushes are manufactured from polypropylene, a durable plastic made from fossil fuels. Energy and heat are used to create it. Globally, polypropylene contributes 14 million tonnes of plastic waste annually — about 3.7% of all plastic waste. While it’s recyclable, its fossil fuel origins and the energy used to manufacture it raise concerns.
In contrast, bamboo toothbrushes are usually crafted from pure bamboo, with minimal to no plastic involved. Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that enriches the soil and thrives without pesticides or fertilisers. However, using bamboo for toothbrush production does come with a drawback. Land used to cultivate bamboo could support carbon-offsetting trees, raising questions about optimal land use for sustainability.
The life of a toothbrush
Most people have a preference between manual and electric toothbrushes, but which cleans better? Many dentists favour electric toothbrushes for their effectiveness in removing plaque, but the NHS notes that neither type is superior in preventing tooth decay. With proper technique and a more extended brushing session, a manual toothbrush can be equally effective at removing plaque.
So, if dental hygiene is comparable across both types, how do they stack up environmentally?
Electric toothbrushes with replaceable heads allow you to swap out the brush head instead of the whole toothbrush every few months. Some brands sell recyclable heads, often with mail-back packaging to ensure materials are correctly processed. Recycling brush heads can otherwise be complex, as the bristles and head must usually be separated.
Vibrating toothbrushes may also reduce toothpaste waste. The smaller head size can encourage using less paste per brush. However, electric brushes contain batteries and need regular charging, which has an environmental impact. Users can limit this impact by choosing renewable energy providers.
Being manual, bamboo toothbrushes don’t use energy for operation, so greenhouse gases aren’t released. They typically have a bamboo handle and nylon or plant-based bristles. Natural bristles tend to be harsher than nylon, and can unfortunately lead to enamel wear and gum recession over time.
Regardless of the toothbrush you choose, consider where it’s manufactured. Aim to buy locally-made products when possible. Even the most sustainable brush loses some of its eco-credentials when shipped from far away. By supporting local manufacturers, you reduce the carbon footprint of your purchase and contribute to the local economy.
Disposing of a toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes generally last between three to five years. Choose a quality brush and practice good charging habits to extend their life. Charge only when the battery is low and unplug once fully charged.
When retiring your electric toothbrush, you must recycle it as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Many local recycling facilities accept WEEE items — the Recycle Now locator can help you find the nearest one. Avoid placing electric toothbrushes or chargers in household bins. This sends them to landfill sites where they can release harmful toxins.
Bamboo toothbrushes must be replaced every few months as the bristles wear out. Consider giving them a second life as household scrubbers for bathroom fixtures, computer keyboard keys, or sports gear. The handles also make excellent garden markers.
When it’s time to dispose of a bamboo toothbrush, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Often, you need to remove nylon bristles with pliers. Place the bristles in a larger recyclable plastic item before placing it in the recycling bin. The bamboo handles are typically compostable. If you don’t have a compost bin, you can bury handles in your garden soil or, as a last resort, dispose of them in general waste. Even in landfill sites, bamboo should biodegrade within a few years.
Final thoughts
Bamboo toothbrushes and electric brushes with replaceable heads are sensible options for people looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Vibrating toothbrushes offer the benefit of replaceable heads and can last years, but they are plastic and contain batteries that need charging. On the other hand, bamboo brushes are made of renewable wood but need replacing every few months.
If you own an electric toothbrush, long-term use is more sustainable. Switching to bamboo and disposing of the electric brush would outweigh the environmental benefits of the bamboo brush’s biodegradability.
No matter which toothbrush you choose, responsible disposal is vital. Always repurpose brushes where possible and recycle or compost toothbrushes and heads according to local guidelines. This proactive approach will help minimise their impact and contribute to a healthier planet.
