Electric toothbrushes contain more than a plastic handle. Inside the powered portion are electronics, rechargeable batteries, motors, wiring, plastics, and metal components that all need to be considered when the device reaches the end of its useful life.
According to the American Dental Association, more than one billion toothbrushes are discarded in the United States each year, showing how quickly oral-care waste can add up. Electric toothbrushes add another layer because the powered handle contains electronic components and, in many models, a rechargeable battery.
EACR is an electronics recycling company that can help individuals, businesses, healthcare organizations, retailers, and other organizations recycle electric toothbrushes and other small electronic devices.
Quick Answer: How to Recycle an Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrush handles can be recycled as electronic waste because they contain batteries, motors, wiring, circuit boards, and other electronic components.
The best recycling option mainly depends on how many units you have.
Scheduled Pickups for Bulk Quantities
Scheduled pickups are best for organizations handling larger quantities of electric toothbrushes or other electronics.
This can include:
- Retailers
- Dental offices
- Healthcare organizations
- Warehouses
- Manufacturers
- Businesses
- Large cleanouts
EACR can coordinate pickups when a business or organization has multiple devices ready for recycling.
Electronics Recycling Drop-Off
Drop-off recycling is a simple option for:
- Residential users
- Individual electric toothbrushes
- Small quantities
For a single device or a few small electronics, drop-off is often the most practical choice.
E-Waste Containers
E-waste containers are useful for organizations that regularly generate small electronics.
Electric toothbrushes can be collected alongside other accepted electronic devices instead of arranging a separate pickup every time another unit is retired.
EACR offers scheduled pickups, drop-off options, and e-waste containers as part of its electronics recycling services.
Why Should You Recycle an Electric Toothbrush?
Because an electric toothbrush is an electronic device, not just a plastic toothbrush.
The powered handle can contain a rechargeable battery, electric motor, circuit board, wiring, charging components, sensors, and metal parts. Throwing the entire device into ordinary household waste means all of those materials are discarded together.
Rechargeable batteries are one of the main reasons electric toothbrushes should be handled differently from manual toothbrushes. Batteries require appropriate end-of-life handling and should not simply be treated like ordinary trash.
The same applies to the electronics inside the handle. Motors, circuit boards, wiring, charging coils, and other components can be separated during the recycling process. Metals and other materials can then move into appropriate recycling streams instead of being lost with general waste.
The amount of material in one electric toothbrush may seem small, but small electronics add up quickly. Dental offices, retailers, manufacturers, healthcare organizations, and households can collectively retire large numbers of powered toothbrushes over time.
Recycling gives those devices a more appropriate end-of-life path.
What is Inside an Electric Toothbrush?
The exact design varies by brand and model, but common electric toothbrush components include:
- Rechargeable battery
- Small electric motor
- Circuit board
- Copper wiring
- Charging coil
- Sensors
- Metal shaft
- Plastic housing
- Rubber seals
- Buttons and controls
- LED indicators
- Charging base or cable
The combination of a rechargeable battery and electronic components is what makes the powered handle different from an ordinary manual toothbrush.
How to Recycle an Electric Toothbrush
The process is simple. There is usually no need to completely disassemble the device yourself.
1. Remove the Brush Head
Separate the replaceable brush head from the powered handle.
The brush head is usually made mostly from mixed plastics and bristles and should not automatically be placed into the same electronics recycling stream as the handle.
2. Keep the Electronic Handle Intact
Do not cut open the handle just to remove the electronics inside.
Many electric toothbrushes are sealed for water resistance and are not designed for easy consumer disassembly.
Keeping the handle intact also reduces the chance of accidentally damaging the internal battery.
3. Identify the Battery
Most rechargeable electric toothbrushes contain an internal rechargeable battery.
If the battery is designed to be easily removed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, it can be identified separately.
If it is sealed inside the handle, leave the device intact and let the electronics recycler handle the internal components.
4. Separate Chargers and Accessories
Gather any electronic accessories that came with the toothbrush, including:
- Charging bases
- Power adapters
- Charging cables
- Travel chargers
These accessories may also be recyclable as electronic equipment.
5. Choose a Recycling Option
Choose the recycling method that fits the quantity you have:
- Electronics recycling drop-off
- Scheduled pickup
- E-waste container
A single electric toothbrush may be easy to drop off, while larger quantities may make more sense through a pickup or e-waste container program.
Working With EACR Inc. for Electric Toothbrush Recycling
EACR Inc. handles electronics recycling projects ranging from individual devices and small electronics to large commercial recycling programs.
One example is EACR’s work with Bed Bath & Beyond. From 2018 through 2023, EACR completed more than 100 live-load recycling pickups across New Jersey locations and recycled roughly 200,000 pounds of electronics
The project included equipment such as:
- IT equipment
- POS systems
- Hard drives
- Other small electronics
- Electronic toothbrushes
You can read more in EACR’s Bed Bath & Beyond electronics recycling case study.
That same recycling infrastructure can support projects involving electric toothbrushes and other small electronic devices, whether they are collected individually or as part of a larger electronics recycling program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Toothbrush Recycling
Can Electric Toothbrushes Be Recycled?
Yes. Electric toothbrush handles contain batteries, motors, wiring, circuit boards, and other electronic components that can be handled through an electronics recycling program.
Are Electric Toothbrushes Considered E-Waste?
Yes. The powered handle is an electronic device and typically contains a rechargeable battery along with other internal electronic components.
Can You Throw an Electric Toothbrush in the Trash?
Electronics recycling is generally a better end-of-life option than treating the powered handle like ordinary trash because of its battery and electronic components.
Can Electric Toothbrush Batteries Be Recycled?
Yes. Rechargeable batteries can be recycled, but they require appropriate handling as part of the recycling process.
Should I Remove the Battery Before Recycling an Electric Toothbrush?
Usually not. If the battery is sealed inside the handle, leave the device intact unless the manufacturer or recycling provider specifically instructs you to remove it.
Can Electric Toothbrush Chargers Be Recycled?
Yes. Charging bases, power adapters, cables, and travel chargers are also electronic equipment and may be recyclable.
Can Businesses Recycle Electric Toothbrushes in Bulk?
Yes. Businesses, retailers, healthcare organizations, dental offices, manufacturers, and other organizations can handle larger quantities through scheduled pickups or e-waste container programs.
Conclusion
Electric toothbrushes contain batteries, motors, circuit boards, wiring, plastics, and metals, so their powered handles should be treated as electronics when they reach the end of their useful life.
EACR is an electronics recycling company that can help individuals, retailers, healthcare organizations, businesses, and other organizations recycle electric toothbrushes and other small electronics through drop-offs, scheduled pickups, and e-waste container programs.
