Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Ecology Foundation
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
#HonestRecycling. Recycling toothbrushes
Why is this important?
Dentists recommend changing your toothbrush at least four times a year. With a toothbrush weighing approximately 40 grams, this means each person sends at least 160 grams of plastic to landfills annually. Nationally, this waste volume exceeds 23,000 tons per year—equivalent to the weight of 358 passenger airplanes!
The multi-component composition of toothbrushes complicates their disposal. Bristles are made of polyester or nylon, and the handle is made of polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate, sometimes with added rubber. Like many other discarded plastics, toothbrushes often end up in waterways and oceans. To reduce environmental damage, plastic toothbrushes should be taken to recycling centers, where they will be recycled and used in other products.
How are toothbrushes recycled?
Sorting: Toothbrushes are first sorted by color to reduce the use of dyes, and then by handle material type (polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate).
Separation and cleaning: a special guillotine is used to cut off the bristle heads. The bristles and metal components are extracted. The bristle and metal mixture is collected for a pilot batch of recycling, and the plastic is sent to production.
Crushing and molding: The pens are crushed in two stages in specialized crushers. The resulting crushed plastic is fed into a machine where the raw material is heated and molded under high pressure into the desired shape for the new product.
What is made from recycled toothbrushes?
Typically, plastic toothbrush bodies are used to make small food packaging, small clips, ballpoint pen bodies, and larger ones are used to make paving slabs. There are also several interesting projects for creating urban infrastructure:
As part of the "Toothbrush, Give Up!" environmental initiative, a city bench made from 35 kg of shredded toothbrushes was installed in Moscow. The project was implemented jointly by SPLAT Global, the wholesale company METRO, the British Higher School of Art and Design, and Universal University.
The Vladimir-based company "Spetstrans" manufactured 1,700 square meters of paving slabs for landscaping a park in the village of Okulovka in the Novgorod region. The paving slabs were made from 2.5 tons of recycled plastic toothbrushes.
Where to donate toothbrushes?
To eco-centers ("Collector", "Assembly", Second Life, "Zelenka", etc.);
To recycling collection points (7Other, Re.Akciya);
To the sites of recycling collection events of eco-volunteer organizations (for example, at the events of the eco-movement “Separate Collection”);
In special boxes in the stores "Perekrestok" and "Doctor Slon".
You can also find collection points by searching for "toothbrush collection" on Recyclemap or 2GIS, as well as in environmental groups and on the websites of eco-projects in your city.
What to do with wooden and electric toothbrushes?
In an effort to reduce their environmental impact, many are switching from plastic toothbrushes to bamboo or electric ones. However, it's also important to dispose of these alternatives properly.
A bamboo toothbrush appears completely eco-friendly, but its synthetic bristles do not biodegrade. Before disposal, the bristles must be carefully removed and placed in mixed waste, and the bamboo handle must be composted or buried, where it will naturally decompose within 4-6 months. This is in stark contrast to a plastic toothbrush, which takes centuries to decompose.
Electric toothbrushes also require special handling: their bodies and replaceable heads are made of plastic and metal, and the gadgets themselves also contain batteries, which are hazardous waste. These devices should not be thrown in the regular trash; they should be taken to specialized electronics collection points for safe recycling.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.