The average person uses 300 plastic toothbrushes in their lifetime. Every year over 4 billion toothbrushes end up in landfill or in our oceans.

I’ll be focused on electric toothbrushes because frankly I would rip apart my gums with old manual toothbrushes. But if you buy the old school toothbrush stick to a few options such as wooden handles or recycled plastic and make sure they are recyclable. If you want a specific recommendation take a look at these sustainable toothbrushes from ZWS Essentials, Sustainable Tomorrow, and Sustainable Tomorrow

Dentists seem to recommend buying electric toothbrushes nowadays so we can keep our enamel shiny and remove those nasty coffee and tea stains. Scientific studies have consistently demonstrated that sonic toothbrushes are highly effective at plaque removal and reducing gingivitis compared to their manual counterparts.

This means we are probably keeping our toothbrush longer so it mush be sustainable, right?

The answer isn’t so clear. Most electric toothbrushes do not allow you to change the battery, so once that little lithium ion battery dies, out goes the battery and toothbrush.

Plus, we still need to buy brushes. And since we are being asked to follow the same recommendation for changing out out brush as those old manual toothbrushes, we may be creating the same amount of waste, or more.

Myth #1: Replacing Batteries is Always Wasteful

While disposing of used batteries requires responsible recycling, it doesn't automatically render replacement the less sustainable option.

Producing a new device, including its packaging and transportation, also consumes resources and generates waste. Comparing the environmental impact of both options requires a deeper dive.

What the toothbrush companies don’t want you to know is that you can replace those batteries and prolong the life of the brush. Tootbrushbattery.com has guides on how to do this for the major brands.

Myth #2: All Replacement Batteries are Created Equal

Usually inexpensive brushes have replaceable alkaline batteries because they are simpler to make and therefore cheaper to sell. In some ways these are actually better because you get to choose the type of battery you use and you can buy recyclable ones. However, for some odd reason, many of these do not have replaceable heads.

Most lithium ion rechargeable batteries need to be replaced every two to three years. These are similar to what’s in your phone, so you know that overcharging can damage them. The greenness of a replacement battery depends on its type and origin. Opting for rechargeable batteries, especially if powered by renewable energy sources, significantly reduces waste compared to single-use disposables.

Additionally, choosing recycled or responsibly sourced batteries minimizes environmental harm. Arguably these are challenging to find. Very few companies offer recycled batteries or discuss the sustainability of their supply chain. If you known of such places, please contact me and we will update this post.

Myth #3: Battery Recycling Guarantees Sustainability

First thing first. Please don’t toss your battery and toothbrush in the trash. If the battery ends up in a landfill, its cells can release toxins, including heavy metals that can leak into the soil and groundwater.

A study from Australia found that 98.3 percent of lithium-ion batteries end up in landfills, which increases the likelihood of landfill fires that can burn for years. One landfill in the Pacific Northwest was reported to have had 124 fires between June 2017 and December 2020 due to lithium-ion batteries. These release toxic chemicals into the air people nearby breathe.

While battery recycling is crucial, it's not a perfect solution. Recycling processes still utilize energy and can generate emissions. Minimizing waste in the first place, by maximizing battery lifespan and exploring alternatives, remains key.

The biggest issue with battery recycling is that there are so many opportunities for waste along the recycling route. Many batteries are tossed into the landfill or tossed into recycling cans, even though city recycling companies do not recycle lithium ion batteries. Only 5% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries are thought to be recycled across the globe. This means as much as 8 million tons of lithium ion batteries are leaking waste in our landfills.

Most toothbrush brands will provide you with a mailer to recycle your battery for free.

In fact Oral B recycles a range of products, including toothbrushes, brush heads, toothpaste tubes, mouthwash containers, floss containers and floss picks. Box up your waste, print a free mailer and mail it off to be turned into other products such as park benches.

The Suri Toothbrush company will send you a mailer for recycling any toothbrush you buy from them.

Unfortunately Sonicare will not recycle or help you replace your batteries:

No, you cannot replace the integrated battery of your toothbrush. If you want to discard your toothbrush, we recommend removing and recycling the battery. For instructions on safely doing so, read your user manual. Philips Sonicare

Beyond the Myths: Making Informed Choices for a Greener Future

Before replacing batteries or buying new devices, consider these better alternatives:

Extend Battery Lifespan

Practice proper maintenance like cleaning contacts, storing devices correctly, and using the recommended charging methods to maximize battery life.

Tips for keeping your battery lasting longer include.

Fully charging your brush before the first use. Avoid overcharging your electric toothbrush. And try to wait until the battery is nearly run down before recharging it. But not all the way because lithium ion batteries aren’t like the old nickel batteries. It’s like electric cars —leave about 20 percent of the charge then go ahead and charge it up.

While the toothbrush is sealed to protect from water, seals can beak down over time. Store your toothbrush handle lying horizontally on its back to stop water seeping down the shaft and past the seals into the inner workings of your toothbrush.

Explore Rechargeable Options

If your device allows it, opt for rechargeable batteries and power them with renewable energy sources whenever possible. My take is to never buy a toothbrush that isn’t rechargeable. At that point if you cannot invest in a rechargeable brush, buy a manual brush. Otherwise you are just sending toxic chemicals into landfills.

Choose Green Batteries

When replacements are necessary, seek rechargeable batteries made with recycled materials or responsibly sourced resources.

Repair or Refurbish

Consider repair options before discarding a device, extending its lifespan and minimizing waste.

Note: According to the manufacturers, the answer is usually no on the repair front. They warn people against disassembling the devices, saying it’s dangerous or that it will void the warranty. If it’s still under warranty contact the manufacturer. But since these warranties are short lived, you are probably out of warranty once it breaks.

iFixit, a right-to-repair advocacy group has repair guides and a forum to ask questions if you decide to repair yours.

Most Oral B brushes can be opened by holding the toothbrush and the charging stand together, and then twisting the stand to pop the bottom cap off. On some models, you might instead have to use the stand as a lever to pop it off.

Philips Sonicare models are a bit trickier. — because remember they do not want you to repair them. You’ll need something to pry off the bottom cap, such as a small flathead screwdriver or a plastic tool known as a “ spudger.”

Embrace Sustainable Alternatives

For manual toothbrushes, consider the environmental impact of their production and materials compared to electric counterparts.

One organization trying to break the proverbial electric toothbrush mold is Suri. As a B Corporation, the Suri Toothbrush is trying to break the mold by promoting sustainable options. This Toothbrush is made of durable Aluminium and is super slim, so it feels comfortable to hold in your hand while also looking sleek and elegant in your bathroom. This makes it more durable and potentially makes it easier to recycle. But remember mixed electronics can still be hard to recycle.

The bristles are made with castor oil and are available in medium/soft bristles and the heads are made from cornstarch. Unlike other toothbrushes, the Suri Toothbrush isn’t sealed closed, which makes it repairable. Once you need to replace your toothbrush heads, you can return them to Suri, and they will recycle them. The toothbrush comes with a 1-year battery warranty, and they offer repairs for a fee afterward. They also partnered with ClimatePartner to offset 100% of their brushes' emissions, including their manufacture and transportation. The problem is that many carbon offsets are greenwashing in themselves.

Ranking Battery Replacement as a Sustainability Solution

Accuracy: The claim that replacing batteries is always wasteful is inaccurate. The environmental impact depends on numerous factors, including battery type, recycling practices, device lifespans, and alternative options available.

Ease of implementation: Replacing batteries, especially disposable ones, is often easier than exploring alternatives like repair, refurbishment, or switching to manual devices. However, increasing awareness and infrastructure can make sustainable choices more accessible.

Cost: The initial cost of rechargeable batteries and sustainable alternatives might be higher, but long-term savings from reduced waste and extended lifespans can make them cost-effective.

Ethics: Responsible resource sourcing, minimizing waste, and choosing environmentally friendly options align with ethical considerations for sustainability. Supporting companies committed to these practices is crucial.

Impact on climate change: Minimizing resource extraction, production, and waste associated with batteries and devices contributes significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.

Overall: There's no one-size-fits-all answer to the battery replacement dilemma. Understanding the myths, considering the environmental impact of various options, and exploring alternatives based on your specific device, resources, and values will guide you towards the most sustainable choice. Remember, small, conscious changes in our daily choices can collectively make a big difference for our planet.

Further Resources

Call2Recycle: https://www.call2recycle.org/

The Story of Stuff Project: https://storyofstuff.org/