22 june 2022

Used toothbrushes: waste that poses recycling concerns...

ocean plastic recycling toothbrush

1. Reusable or disposable plastic?

2. Why do manual toothbrushes recycle so poorly?

3. What about electric toothbrushes?

4. Collection programs: how do they work?

5. Our action to reduce plastic waste


Each year, more than 10 million tons of plastic end up in nature or the oceans, which has significant consequences for the environment and marine ecosystems. This figure should triple by 2040 according to National Geographic magazine! 😟

Out of this quantity of plastic, used toothbrushes represent more than 5,000 tonnes of waste in France (yes, yes!). A figure that may seem surprising when you know that the French only change their toothbrush on average every 8 months (compared to the maximum 3 months recommended by dentists and the UFSBD ). 😥

However, this disastrous ecological impact is mainly due to the fact that it is very complicated to recycle a toothbrush , especially if it is made of plastic, and this, even if you practice selective sorting by throwing your brush in the proper trash can . 🛢

And this difficulty of recycling poses many problems since the management of plastic waste is one of the key points and major issues in terms of ecology today, in France and in all developed countries.

So, what are the recycling systems in place in France for this waste? Is there a zero waste toothbrush? MyVariations explains... 🧐

Reusable or disposable plastic?

Plastics can be divided into two main categories:

Single-use ones (cups, straws, bags, water bottles...) 🥤
Those that are reusable (garden chairs, water bottles, bike helmets…) 🚴‍♀️


Single-use plastics, which are intended for only one use, tend to end up more in nature because they are generally used in larger quantities and are therefore thrown away much more often, and not always in the bins provided. this effect. 🙁

Toothbrushes are between the two categories of plastics since they are used twice a day for several months, but still end up being thrown away and replaced , for reasons of hygiene in particular. 🗑️

Plastic toothpaste tubes, mouthwash bottles or even certain dental floss or interdental brushes are thrown away after a month or two on average, but do belong to the category of single-use plastics, because even if there are refillable tubes, a conventional toothpaste tube is never reused and constitutes waste that is difficult to recycle. 😢

Why do manual toothbrushes recycle so poorly?

The answer to this question is quite simple. In reality, while the handle of your toothbrush is most of the time made of plastic, your brush also contains other elements that are almost impossible to recycle. We can cite the bristles in particular, whether they are soft bristles or not , but also the small staples which hold them firmly in place on the head. 🔧

And this is also the case of bamboo brushes, falsely perceived as more ecological, "zero waste", and better for the environment.

In addition, the recycling of this waste also depends on the proper functioning and efficiency of waste sorting, processing and collection systems, depending on the local authorities . Indeed, not all manage these elements in the same way, and not all have the same means to recycle plastic, including that of our used toothbrushes. 🪥

It is these factors that are largely responsible for the very low likelihood of your toothbrushes being recycled. 🤷‍♀️

What about electric toothbrushes?

Electric toothbrushes , for the majority anyway, are made up of two main elements; on the one hand the brush head with its bristles, and on the other hand the handle which contains the motor and the electronic system. 🪥

So, when you should throw away and then change the entire brush in the case of a manual toothbrush, when it comes to an electric model, it is only the head that needs to be replaced. The head represents a lot less plastic than an entire manual toothbrush, even if it is not a "zero waste" option either. 🙃

In addition to the superior brushing efficiency of electric toothbrushes compared to manuals, there is another good reason to choose them, especially sonic vibration electric toothbrushes from the MyVariations brand, a company that is committed to a recycling program for used heads (we tell you more about it below 😊).

Discover our toothbrushes

Brush collection programs: how do they work?

Several programs using the system of collection points are beginning to be created in France in particular, with the aim of alleviating the concern for recycling toothbrushes. 👍

The handles of manual brushes but also the heads of electric toothbrushes, these programs recycle them to transform them.

We can cite names like the Terracycle program, or the Recycle Your Toothbrush program, which transforms used brushes into flowerpots to give them a new life! 🌸


Our action to reduce plastic waste


At MyVariations , we have an important role to play in order to prevent our toothbrushes from ending up in nature or the oceans 🌊

That's why we decided to promote the recycling of used brush heads as much as possible thanks to an awareness program present in all our shipments ✉️

Thus, in each shipment for our customers, we add a small recycled paper flyer that explains how to recycle brush heads ✅

In concrete terms, how does that work ?

You can go to www.recycletabrosseadents.com to locate the collection point closest to you, drop them off and have your brush heads recycled into flower pots 🌼

If ever there is no collection point near you, we encourage you to keep your used brush heads and send them directly to us so that we can recycle them for you ♻️

In addition, we are also working on manufacturing recycled plastic brush heads to further reduce our impact on the planet!

 

Looking for the perfect toothbrush?

Say goodbye to bleeding gums and other gum problems thanks to MyVariations' 5 different brushing modes that adapt to your sensitivity! 🖐

filter_Onyx-Black
Electric Toothbrush
From €64,04 €74,90
Shop

Other products that may interest you ...

Image to render
13 august 2024
Leucoplasie buccale – Causes, symptômes et traitement
Vous observez des plaques grisâtres sur vos gencives, joues intérieures, votre langue ou votre palais ? Vous souffrez peut-être d'une leucoplasie buccale ...
Image to render
12 august 2024
Recognizing the Symptoms of Gingivitis: A Complete Guide to Optimal Oral Health
Do you think you have gingivitis but aren't entirely sure? Read this article to know all the symptoms of gingivitis!
Image to render
12 august 2024
Dental Erosion: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention Strategies
Do you notice wear on your teeth? We tell you everything you need to know about dental erosion!
Image to render
30 july 2024
Oral candidiasis or oral thrush: symptoms, causes and treatment?
Do you think you have oral thrush, also called oral candidiasis?
Discover the causes and possible treatments!
Image to render
29 july 2024
Brossage des dents : combien de temps pour être réellement efficace ?
Quel temps faut-il pour réaliser un vrai, un bon brossage de dents ? On vous dit tout !
Image to render
08 june 2024
La cellulite dentaire : symptômes, causes, traitements et prévention
Vous ressentez une douleur au niveau de la mâchoire ou du visage, un gonflement est apparu ou une rougeur ? Vous êtes peut-être victime de cellulite dentaire ! Apprenez-en plus ...
Image to render
08 june 2024
Abcès des gencives : symptômes, causes, traitements, on vous dit tout !
Les abcès des gencives doivent impérativement être pris au sérieux ! Sachez-en plus dans cet article !
Image to render
08 june 2024
Gum infection: understand and act
Vos gencives sont inflammées ? Vous font mal ? Vous avez peut-être une infection de la gencive !
Image to render
03 may 2024
Prévenir la stomatite : conseils et techniques de prévention
Vous avez des douleurs, rouges, gonflements ou même des plaies dans la bouche ? Vous êtes peut-être victime d'une stomatite ! Sachez comment la prévenir grâce à cet article !
Image to render
03 may 2024
How to remove tartar from braces?
Le tartre peut vite s'accumuler dans les appareils dentaires. Sachez comment faire pour éviter cela, et les gingivites que cela pourrait entraîner !
Image to render
17 april 2024
Electric toothbrush from what age?
Does your little wolf ask for an electric toothbrush? Know what to say to him!
Image to render
09 april 2024
Bleeding gums: how to avoid them?
How to avoid bleeding gums?
Image to render
05 april 2024
At what age can my child use an electric toothbrush?
Your children's teeth need special care! Find out which ones in this article!
Image to render
29 february 2024
Gum recession: causes and treatments
Do you notice a reduction in the surface area of ​​your gums? You may be a victim of gum recession!
Image to render
09 february 2024
Gum inflammation: causes, symptoms and treatment
Do you have pain in your gums or notice redness? She may be inflamed! Learn the causes, symptoms and treatments for this common problem!
Image to render
04 february 2024
What type of bristles should you choose for your toothbrush?
Hard, medium or soft bristles for your toothbrush? We tell you everything!
Image to render
05 january 2024
Contraindications for sonic toothbrushes? Things to know
Are you wondering if sonic toothbrushes are right for your needs? We answer you in this article!
Image to render
02 january 2024
How to choose your electric toothbrush?
You want to switch to the electric toothbrush but you don't know what to choose? We explain to you!
Image to render
21 december 2023
Interdental cleaning for optimal oral health
Become an expert in interdental cleaning, the key to a truly clean mouth!
Image to render
15 december 2023
Electric or manual toothbrush: how to choose?
Are you hesitating to switch to an electric toothbrush?
We explain to you what the differences are compared to a manual brush!
Image to render
24 november 2023
White spot on the gums: Causes and treatments
Have you noticed a white spot on your gums? Find out now what it is thanks to this article!
Image to render
12 november 2023
How to recognize periodontitis from gingivitis?
Your gums make you suffer but you don't know if it's gingivitis or periodontitis? MyVariations helps you see things more clearly!
Image to render
12 november 2023
Tooth loosening and rolling back of the gums at the level of the tooth: what treatment?
Receding gums and dental loosening, know what treatment to apply!
Image to render
09 november 2023
Gum pain: how to treat painful gums and find a healthy mouth?
Do you have gum pain? Find out what the cause is and what treatment to adopt!
Image to render
09 november 2023
Electric toothbrushes: rather rotary or sonic technology?
Should we favor an oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush, or a sonic one? We help you make your choice!
Image to render
28 september 2023
Ultimate guide to using an interdental brush for impeccable hygiene.
Here's a summary of everything you need to know about interdental brushes!
Image to render
Santé dentaire 11 september 2023
How to recognize normal gums and keep them healthy?
We tell you everything you need to know about normal, healthy gums and how to preserve their health!
Image to render
04 september 2023
Canker sores on the gums: Causes, prevention and effective treatments
Do you have a canker sore on your gums? Learn what factors can cause these painful lesions, and how to treat them!
Image to render
08 august 2023
Mouth ulcer: causes and treatment!
Do you often have mouth ulcers and don't know where it can come from or how to treat them? We will explain everything to you !
Image to render
31 july 2023
Keeping gums healthy: practical tips and techniques
We give you the keys to keeping healthy gums and taking care of your oral and gingival health in this article!
Image to render
25 july 2023
Everything you need to know about gray teeth: causes, treatment and prevention
Do you have one or more gray teeth and you don't know how to fix it? This article will teach you more about this phenomenon and its solutions!
Image to render
17 july 2023
Gingival abscess: causes and solutions
Do you have a very bad gum and you are afraid that it is an abscess? Learn more about this pathology, its causes and its solutions!
Image to render
28 june 2023
Tooth enamel: All you need to know about its importance, health and protection
Would you like to know more about tooth enamel? Learn everything you need to know about this amazing compound, its importance, and how to care for it!
Image to render
21 june 2023
How to Brush Your Teeth Properly: A Step-by-Step Guide to Optimal Oral Hygiene
Be sure to use the right technique for brushing your teeth with this detailed article!
Image to render
14 june 2023
Pimples on the Gum: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and Prevention
Have you noticed one or more pimples on your gums? Discover in this article what are the causes and remedies!
Image to render
31 may 2023
Xerostomia: Causes, Consequences and Treatments for Optimal Oral Health
Do you very often have dry mouth and don't know where it comes from? Let us tell you more about this common concern!
Image to render
30 may 2023
Periodontitis, foods to avoid
Did you know that you could reduce the risk of periodontitis by adapting your diet? We tell you more here!
Image to render
15 may 2023
Teeth scaling to do at home, a bad idea
Have you thought about trying to do a descaling yourself at home? Find out here the reasons why this is really not a good idea!
Image to render
20 april 2023
Rotten tooth: causes, treatments and prevention!
Do you have one or more rotten teeth? Know how to identify the causes of such a situation, and learn how to deal with it!
Image to render
02 april 2023
White spot on the tooth: cause and solution
Are you complexed by white spots on your teeth? Finally, discover the causes and solutions!
Image to render
16 march 2023
Black dental tartar on the gum: cause and treatment
Do you have black tartar on your gums? Learn what causes it and find the right treatment!
Image to render
08 march 2023
Brown teeth: what are these brown spots due to?
Do you have one or more brown teeth? discover the reasons for this phenomenon and how to overcome it
Image to render
02 march 2023
How to strengthen your gums?
Do you have sensitive gums and are you tired of suffering from them? Learn how to strengthen your gums!
Image to render
22 february 2023
How to have fresh breath? Our advices !
Is your bad breath making you uncomfortable? Here are our tips to fix it!
Image to render
14 february 2023
Acidity in the mouth: causes and treatment
Do you have an acidic and unpleasant sensation in your mouth? Find out what could be the causes!