How to Properly Dispose of a Bamboo Toothbrush
Proper Bamboo Toothbrush Disposal: Two Simple Methods
If you own a bamboo toothbrush, you are already taking important steps in reducing plastic and making better choices for our planet. When it’s time for a new bamboo toothbrush and your old one is ready to go, there are a few things to note: The bamboo handle is compostable. The bristles need to go to the landfill.
Reuse comes before recycling in the pyramid of sustainable habits so before you dispose of your bamboo toothbrush, consider adding it to your cleaning supplies. An old toothbrush is handy for cleaning tricky spots like grout and corners. It’s also helpful in cleaning shoes and removing stains from clothes.
There are two ways to dispose of the bristles correctly. One is extremely quick and the other is a little more time-consuming. However, neither will take more than a few minutes of your time.
01. The “Simple” Method
Snap off the bristled head of the toothbrush and toss it in the trash. Put the bamboo handle in the compost.
Time Required: 2 seconds
02. The “Effort” Method
Pull out the bristles with pliers. Put the bristles in an old glass jar before throwing it in the trash (you can keep the jar in your medicine cabinet and wait until it’s full before tossing it - which could take years). Putting the bristles in a jar will prevent flyaways as it’s being dumped in the garbage truck. The bamboo handle that’s remaining can go in the compost.
Time Required: 5 minutes
