An electric toothbrush is small, but its powered handle is still an electronic device. Keep the handle out of your trash and curbside recycling, then find a collector that accepts battery-containing electronics.
Your brush head, charger, and handle may need different routes. Check your model instructions before removing any battery.
Start With the Part You Have
The powered handle belongs with small electronics or battery collection. A charger can usually go to an electronics collector that accepts cords and adapters.
A loose brush head is different. Most curbside programs cannot sort its mixed plastic, nylon, and metal pieces.
The current Colgate TerraCycle program accepts manual toothbrushes, but it specifically excludes electric toothbrushes, battery toothbrushes, and their parts.
Recycle an Intact Powered Handle
Search the model number printed on the handle or charger. The manual should identify the battery type and say whether a user may remove it.
If the battery is sealed inside, leave the handle intact. Opening a waterproof body can puncture or short a cell, and many models are not user-serviceable.
The EPA directs battery-containing electronics to certified electronics recyclers, participating retailer or manufacturer take-back programs, or local household hazardous waste programs.
Ask the collector whether it accepts electric toothbrushes from households. A location that takes phones or computers may still exclude personal-care devices.
You can search the SERI directory for an R2-certified facility. Filter for drop-off, then confirm the facility accepts your item before you travel.
If the Manual Allows Battery Removal
Remove a battery only when the manufacturer gives instructions for your exact model. Follow those steps and do not improvise with prying, heat, or power tools.
Protect exposed terminals with nonconductive tape where the collector requests it. Keep each loose battery in a separate plastic bag during storage and transport.
Do not put lithium-ion batteries in household trash or municipal recycling. Sorting equipment can crush them and start a fire.
Handle a Damaged Toothbrush
Stop using or charging a handle that is swollen, hot, leaking, cracked around the battery, or water-damaged. Keep it away from heat and combustible materials.
Do not open, mail, or place the device in a store collection box. Contact the manufacturer for handling instructions, then call your local hazardous waste or fire authority.
Describe the damage before moving it. The receiving program may give different packaging or drop-off instructions for a damaged battery.
If the device is smoking or burning, move away instead of trying to dismantle it. Follow your local emergency service’s instructions.
What to Do With Brush Heads
Check whether your brand runs a current mail-back or store program for the exact head. Read its accepted-item list because programs can change or limit enrollment.
If no specialty program accepts it, ask your local waste service where it belongs. Do not place a loose head in curbside recycling based only on its plastic appearance.
Remove trapped toothpaste and let an accepted head dry before shipping or drop-off. Follow the program’s hygiene and packaging instructions.
Reuse Only a Safe, Working Handle
A working brush can become a cleaning tool if you clearly mark the head for household use. Keep it away from anyone’s mouth and from food-contact surfaces.
Do not reuse a handle with battery damage, charging faults, exposed wiring, or a broken seal. Recycling the intact device is the safer next step.
Related Disposal Guides
- How to Dispose of Lithium Batteries
- How to Dispose of a Bamboo Toothbrush
- How to Dispose of a Hair Dryer