What No One Tells You About Toothbrush Waste—And What You Can Do About It

You probably don’t think about your toothbrush that often—until you need a new one. But what if we told you that the toothbrush you tossed last month might still be sitting in a landfill… centuries from now?
That’s the thing about plastic toothbrushes: they don’t go away. And most people have no idea how much waste this everyday item creates.
Let’s dig into the problem—and more importantly, what you can actually do about it (without overhauling your life).
Wait, How Bad Is Toothbrush Waste?
Here’s a stat that might surprise you: over 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away every year in the U.S. alone.
That’s enough to circle the globe four times. Every. Single. Year.
And the issue isn’t just quantity—it’s what they’re made of. Most conventional toothbrushes are made with multiple plastics, nylon, and rubber. Bottom line: they're nearly impossible to recycle and are designed for landfills.
What Happens to Your Old Toothbrush?
Let’s be honest: most of us have a graveyard of old toothbrushes under the sink, in drawers, or… who knows where. Eventually, they get tossed in the trash.
From there, they end up:
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In landfills, where they don’t break down
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In incinerators, contributing to air pollution
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In oceans, where they’re mistaken for food by marine life
All for an item you used for two minutes, twice a day.
Not All “Eco” Toothbrushes Are What They Seem
You might be thinking, Okay, I’ll just buy one of those bamboo toothbrushes then. And while that’s a good start, there’s a little fine print most brands don’t tell you.
Many bamboo brushes still:
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Come wrapped in plastic
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Use nylon bristles (which aren’t biodegradable)
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Claim to be compostable but require industrial composting
In other words, it’s not always the perfect solution.
So... What Can You Do?
You don’t need to be zero-waste to make a difference. Small, intentional swaps go a long way—especially when it comes to something as habitual as brushing your teeth.
Enter: Nada Toothbrush.
A Better Way to Brush: Meet Nada
Nada was created with one simple goal: to reduce toothbrush waste without sacrificing function or style.
Here’s how it works:
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One sleek aluminum handle (made to last a lifetime)
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Recyclable toothbrush heads (just pop them off and mail them back)
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No plastic packaging
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Made in Canada cutting down on emissions and supporting the local economy
Instead of tossing a whole toothbrush every few months, you just replace the head. It’s that easy.
What Makes Nada Different?
Let’s break it down:
Feature |
Typical Toothbrush |
Nada Toothbrush |
Made in Canada |
❌ |
✅ |
Fully recyclable heads |
❌ |
✅ |
Plastic-free packaging |
❌ |
✅ |
Designed to last years |
❌ |
✅ |
Nada takes all the guesswork out of going sustainable—no composting, no greenwashing, no landfill guilt.
It’s Not About Being Perfect—Just Aware
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to get everything right. You don’t need a color-coded zero-waste pantry or a perfectly curated bathroom shelf.
You just need to start somewhere. And switching your toothbrush? That’s a pretty great place to begin.
It’s a twice-a-day habit. A no-brainer. A small move with a big impact.
Toothbrush waste may seem like a drop in the bucket—but when you multiply that drop by billions, it becomes a wave. The good news? You’re not powerless.
Choosing a sustainable toothbrush like Nada is a small step with a ripple effect. It’s better for your bathroom, your planet, and your peace of mind.
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