A sustainable electronics company has warned that the rise of electric toothbrushes is adding to the amount of harmful waste.

Experts at UK-based In2tec, a specialist in sustainable technology, have said cheap toothbrushes and consumers upgrading to new high-end models with superficial enhancements, are adding to landfill unnecessarily.

In 2022, an estimated 34m people in the UK used electric toothbrushes with 12m people having switched in the five years between 2015 and 2020. While it is hard to get reliable data on how many are thrown away, the number is undoubtedly significant. In 2024, Expert Reviews analysed data that revealed that the UK throws away 2,266 tonnes of toothbrushes and 212m electric toothbrush heads and manual brushes each year.

Throwaway electronics have a devastating ecological impact, trigger serious health problems among waste pickers in developing countries, and use up staggering amounts of vital and increasingly scarce materials such as rare earth elements, aluminium, copper, and steel.

Nigel Carter, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, commented, "Electric toothbrushes are clinically proven to be more effective at removing plaque and reducing gum disease than manual brushes. They’re also invaluable for people with limited dexterity, who may find a power brush more straightforward and more comfortable to manage.

"We share the growing concern around e-waste and the environmental impact of consumer electronics, including dental products. Sustainability must be part of the conversation as we look to the future of oral care. That means rethinking how we design and use all dental products – not just electric toothbrushes.

"Manual toothbrushes, often made from mixed plastics and discarded every few months, also contribute significantly to global plastic waste. With billions thrown away each year, they’re a major part of the oral care waste stream – most of which is not recyclable through household collections.

"We support making dental products more durable, repairable, and recyclable – whether powered or manual. The industry should invest in smart, sustainable design that enables products to be taken apart, fixed, reused, or properly recycled while still helping people maintain high standards of oral hygiene.

"As consumers, we can do our part – by choosing quality over gimmicks, extending the life of our products where possible, and recycling them responsibly at the end of their life.

"We’re committed to working with manufacturers, policymakers, and the public to ensure that oral health and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand."

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