On some packaging of bamboo toothbrushes, we can read “100% biodegradable” which suggests that we only have to put it in the compost bin once used. But not so fast. You will need a few more manipulations if you really want to do your part for the planet.
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Between the bamboo toothbrush and the plastic one, the choice is easy.
The plastic one is made of nitrile, nylon and rubber. As the materials are inseparable, it becomes impossible to recycle them. It is therefore not accepted at the recycling bin. Once worn out, it must go to the dump.
The bamboo toothbrush is not more recyclable, nor 100% compostable as some packaging* suggests.
The handle is compostable, but only if you take the trouble to remove the nylon bristles. They are sometimes retained by metal fixing rings which must also be removed. The bristles and rings go in the trash while the bamboo handle can be put in the compost bin.
Be careful, however, to ensure that there is no varnish or paint on the handle as these would prevent the composting process. If so, head to the trash.
It should also be noted that bamboo comes from China, so there are impacts in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to consider.
An interesting alternative
Bamboo is resistant to variations in humidity and heat, so it sometimes takes two or three composting cycles for the material to degrade properly.
It acts as a spacer, creating the space required for the bacteria necessary for compost to come to life. It’s positive!
In summary, buying a bamboo toothbrush is a good alternative to reduce your consumption of disposable plastic. But to get there, you have to invest a little time to make it compostable for real and choose one without paint or varnish.
*Some bamboo toothbrush packaging displays a “100% biodegradable” claim. Technically, this statement is not a lie since almost everything, even plastic, is biodegradable. The question is: in how long and with what impact on the environment? When we read “100% biodegradable” it leads to the idea that the product is in fact compostable. But this is often far from reality.
Tricentris is a sorting center that serves 234 municipalities in Quebec. Thanks to its informative articles, this co-op helps us to orient our consumption choices according to what is recyclable and thus to reduce our impact on the environment.