20 Feb Ever Wondered What Happens to Your Old Toothbrush?

Possibly every toothbrush ever made, still exists somewhere on our planet.

We all know brushing our teeth is important to prevent tooth decay and for overall health and we should be doing it at least twice a day. But, there’s something most people never realize – our daily routine can cause great harm to the environment. It is estimated that 30 million toothbrushes and 70 million toothpaste tubes are used in Australia each year and would amount to about 350 tonnes of landfill waste annually. The standard toothbrush is made of a hard plastic handle and a set of soft nylon bristles. Most come in plastic packages. These petroleum products do not biodegrade, they release toxic chemicals if incinerated and they suck up valuable fossil fuels or end up in landfill or our oceans. Possibly every toothbrush ever made, still exists somewhere on our planet.

We all use toothpaste, toothbrushes etc and probably don’t even think twice about throwing the tubes and brushes into our bin headed for landfill. Does that mean we should stop brushing? A definite No No! Dr Sushma Patel of Putney Dental Surgery recommends that you brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and replace it every three to four months. But what about the environment? The great news is that Putney Dental Surgery, in association with TerraCycle and Colgate, is excited to announce its recycling program. Putney Dental Surgery has signed up to be a collection point for your oral care waste and help minimise our environmental footprint.  So get ready to give your bathroom waste an eco-makeover.

Putney Dental Surgery encourages all our patients and local residents to drop off any brand of waste oral care products: toothbrushes (not electric toothbrushes), plastic packaging, empty toothpaste tubes, floss containers, mouthwash bottles, etc. for recycling. Our collection box is in the foyer of the dental practice and can be accessed during working hours.

Every time a member of the community brings in used toothbrushes and/or other oral care items, Putney Dental Surgery will offer a complimentary toothbrush and make a donation of 2c per item to the Cancer Council of Australia.

TerraCycle recycles or upcycles the vast majority of the waste collected into plastic pellets which can be moulded into a variety of new products, like pens, pencil cases, picture frames, garden and school benches, picnic tables, and even playgrounds.

For further information please contact Putney Dental Surgery, 80B Charles Street,    PUTNEY  NSW 2112, and Phone 98097110.