9 Best Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes (Tested & Reviewed)

The average person uses 300 plastic toothbrushes in their lifetime, and billions of these non-biodegradable sticks find their way to landfills each year. It’s one of those everyday items we rarely think twice about, yet every toothbrush you’ve ever used still exists somewhere on the planet.

Beyond the waste problem, a 2024 study revealed that dental products including toothbrushes are heavily contaminated with microplastics, with about half being polyethylene. When you’re putting something in your mouth twice a day, what it’s made from matters.

The good news? Sustainable toothbrushes are just as effective as conventional options. After testing multiple eco-friendly toothbrush brands ourselves (manual and electric) and researching the materials and sustainability credentials behind each, we’ve identified the best options for your teeth and the planet.

What We Looked For

In evaluating the best eco-friendly toothbrushes for this guide, we prioritized the following (as much as possible):

• Handles made from biodegradable, or recycled materials (primarily FSC-certified bamboo however we did include easily recycled materials like aluminum)
• Bristles that minimize plastic use and toxin exposure including plant-based castor bean oil bristles, and BPA-free nylon
• Packaging that’s plastic-free, recyclable, or compostable
• Real-world effectiveness for daily oral hygiene
• Third-party certifications and transparent sustainability claims

Our Testing, Ratings & Research

In several cases, we tested these eco-friendly toothbrushes ourselves over weeks and months, assessing cleaning effectiveness, bristle quality, handle comfort, durability, and how well sustainability claims matched reality.

For brands we work with through our sustainability rating system, we evaluated their initiatives across 22 criteria including supply chain, labor practices, and environmental commitments. See other rated brands in our sustainable brand directory.

For brands we didn’t test directly or rate, we conducted careful research to bring you the best sustainable toothbrush options available.

Related Guides: Sustainable Electric Toothbrush Brands, Sustainable Toothpaste Brands, Eco-Friendly Floss, Eco-Friendly Bathroom Products, Sustainable Dental Products0

Brush with Bamboo’s Eco Toothbrushes

Shop Brush with Bamboo

• Format: Manual bamboo toothbrush (adult and kids sizes). Soft and Extra Soft bristle options.
• Handle: Sustainably-harvested wild-grown Moso Bamboo (not a species pandas eat), certified organic by CERES of Germany. FSC-certified.
• Bristles: 100% castor bean oil, USDA Certified 100% Biobased (0% fossil fuel). Made in the European Union.
• Made in: Responsibly made in China, at a factory overseen by a full-time American-managed on-the-ground team
• What else makes it more sustainable: Multiple certifications including USDA Biobased, Vegan, Green America certified, origami-folded cardboard box (no tape or glue) for packaging.
• End of life: Bristles are compostable but break down slowly. The handle is fully home compostable or can be used for various purposes (see more on this below).
• Price: ~$6 per brush

Brush with Bamboo’s eco toothbrushes for adults and kids come with bristles made of 100% castor bean oil. While 100% biobased, they’ll break down more slowly than standard items in your home compost, so the bristles should still be removed using pliers before composting the handle.

The sustainably-harvested wild-grown Moso Bamboo used for the handles is not one of the 42 bamboo species pandas eat—so no risk to pandas from your pearly whites! The chemical-free non-plastic toothbrush bristles are made in the EU and the final product is responsibly made in China, at a factory overseen by a full-time American-managed on-the-ground team.

Every claim Brush with Bamboo makes is backed by the necessary paperwork and certifications: vegan, FDA registered, USDA Biobased, and Green America certified. Their packaging is an origami-folded cardboard box, which eliminates the need for tape. There is no inner wrapper, just a 100% paper box that is home compostable.

Sustainable Tomorrow’s Zen Bamboo Electric Toothbrush

Shop Sustainable Tomorrow

• Format: Sonic electric toothbrush with replaceable bamboo heads. Also offers a manual bamboo toothbrush and a Junior electric toothbrush for children.
• Handle: Plastic with wood-grain finish (IPX7 waterproof). Not bamboo due to water absorption and safety concerns with electronics.
• Bristles: Plant-based castor bean oil (Nylon 1010)
• Heads: FSC-certified bamboo shell with cornstarch PLA core (95% compostable in ~6 months). No chemical glues.
• Technology: Sonic, up to 38,000 vibrations per minute, 5 cleaning modes, 3 power levels, built-in 2-minute timer
• Battery: Rechargeable, lasts up to 30 days
• Made in: China
• What else makes it more sustainable: Replacement heads decompose in around six months. Everything is packaged and shipped in biodegradable packaging.
• Price: ~$70–$90 (toothbrush); replacement heads ~$25 for 3-pack

Sustainable Tomorrow’s electric toothbrushes feature FSC-certified bamboo heads with castor bean oil bristles, which will break down in a compost pile in about 6 months. The optional Zen Bamboo Case is not only ideal for travel, but just keeping our bathroom looking neat and organized.

One important note: the handle itself is made from durable, recyclable ABS plastic with a wood-grain finish. This is because real bamboo handles absorb water, swell, and can become unstable in humid bathroom environments. Sustainable Tomorrow focused their eco-innovation on the part you throw away: the head.

etee’s Bamboo Toothbrushes

Shop etee

• Format: Manual bamboo toothbrush with reusable handle and replaceable heads
• Handle: FSC-certified bamboo with water-based paint finish to protect from water damage
• Bristles: Castor bean oil-based (not yet biodegradable, but etee is working on a solution)
• Made in: Canada
• What else makes it more sustainable: Handle is indefinitely reusable; only order replaceable heads. Water-based paint extends handle life. Vegan, cruelty-free, 100% natural, plastic-free, made using renewable energy.
• End of life: Remove staple with pliers, compost head sans bristles
• Gives back: Mississauga Food Project and various medical clinics
• Price: ~$5

One of our favorite eco-friendly toothbrushes is made of FSC-certified bamboo by etee. Each minimalist toothbrush handle is indefinitely reusable; all you need to order is replaceable heads, further minimizing waste.

The water-based paint on the bamboo toothbrush handle protects it from water damage, so you can use it for longer. The bristles are made of castor bean oil, so they’re not yet biodegradable, but etee is working on a solution.

From refillable cleaning products to clean dental essentials, Canadian zero waste brand etee is aiming to remove as much plastic from everyday items as possible.

ZWS Essentials’ Natural Toothbrushes

Shop ZWS Essentials

• Format: Manual bamboo toothbrush
• Handle: Sustainably sourced organic bamboo
• Bristles: Plastic-free castor bean oil. ZWS claims these are backyard compostable.
• Made in: USA-based (ZeroWasteStore.com). Physical zero waste store in Los Angeles.
• What else makes it more sustainable: Claims to be the only 100% biodegradable toothbrush. 1% for the Planet member.
• End of life: Remove metal staples with pliers (collect and recycle). ZWS claims bristles and handle are backyard compostable.
• Price: ~$5

The ZWS Essentials reusable bamboo toothbrush from ZeroWasteStore.com is one of the best biodegradable toothbrushes. Made with a sustainably sourced bamboo toothbrush handle and plastic-free castor bean oil bristles, they claim these are backyard compostable toothbrushes.

If you find yourself in the City of Angels, you can check them out in-person at their zero waste store in LA.

SURI Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush

Shop SURI

• Format: Premium sonic toothbrush with replaceable plant-based heads. Comes in 5 colors.
• Handle: Slim aluminum body (5 color options). Repairable design with screw-off base for battery replacement. IPX7 waterproof.
• Bristles: Made from castor oil, medium-soft
• Heads: Cornstarch and castor oil-based. Recyclable up to 6 times through SURI’s free prepaid recycling mailer (US and UK).
• Technology: 33,000 sonic vibrations per minute, 2 modes (Clean and Polish). SURI 2.0 adds Touchsense™ pressure sensor.
• Battery: 40+ day battery life, USB-C rechargeable. SURI 2.0 features wireless induction charging.
• Accessories: UV-C cleaning travel case (kills 99.9% bacteria in 1 min), magnetic wall mount
• Made in: China (designed in UK/California)
• What else makes it more sustainable: B Corp certified. Repairable, reusable, recyclable. Free head recycling program. Aluminum body designed to be the last toothbrush you’ll ever need.
• Price: ~$135 (SURI 2.0) ~$12 for 2 replacement heads, sets available

SURI (short for Sustainable Rituals) has quickly become one of the most talked-about eco-friendly toothbrush brands, and for good reason. Their aluminum-bodied sonic toothbrush is designed with its full life cycle in mind: the body is repairable rather than disposable, the plant-based heads are collected back and recycled through a free prepaid mailer program, and the whole package is B Corp certified.

What sets SURI apart is the combination of premium performance with sustainability credentials. The 40+ day battery life means less frequent charging, and the UV-C cleaning travel case makes it excellent for frequent travelers. Clinical testing shows it removes up to 5x more plaque than a manual toothbrush.

The brand launched in 2022, won a Dezeen Award for product design, and released SURI 2.0 in 2025 with an added pressure sensor, wireless induction charging, and a quieter motor. For those wondering about the price: SURI is significantly more expensive than other brands on this list, but the repairable design, long battery life, and free recycling program may justify the investment for those who want the most polished option available.

The Humble Co.’s Bamboo Toothbrushes

Shop The Humble Co.

• Format: Manual bamboo toothbrush (adult and kids sizes)
• Handle: 100% biodegradable, sustainably-grown bamboo. Treated with natural non-toxic wax for water protection and grip.
• Bristles: DuPont nylon-6 (BPA-free). Multiple color options. Remove before composting.
• Made in: Swedish company, responsibly made in China, FDA-registered
• What else makes it more sustainable: Certified cruelty-free. Partners with Humble Smile Foundation supporting oral care in vulnerable communities.
• Price: ~$5

The Humble Co. has a range of environmentally friendly toothbrush options for kids and adults. And by options, we mean color options—you can choose from pink, yellow, blue, black, or white nylon bristles. Founded by a dentist, The Humble Co.’s oral care products were designed with both mouth health and sustainability in mind. The bamboo handle is treated with natural, non-toxic wax to protect from water, improve grip, and increase hygiene.

Battle Green’s Bamboo Toothbrushes

Shop Battle Green

• Format: Manual bamboo toothbrush, 100% plastic-free
• Handle: Bamboo
• Bristles: Plant-based castor oil. Processed in Germany.
• Made in: UK-based brand
• What else makes it more sustainable: 100% plastic-free. Recyclable/compostable packaging, palm oil-free ingredients. Contributes to Surfers Against Sewage beach clean-ups.
• End of life: Bristles are not home compostable (separate bristles from handle). Industrially compostable.
• Price: ~$13

Cutting out plastic waste can sometimes feel like a battle, so let Battle Green help. Their zero waste bamboo toothbrush is 100% plastic-free, with a bamboo handle and plant-based bristles made from castor oil, a renewable material that is processed in Germany.

Battle Green toothbrushes are not home compostable (so still separate those bristles from the handle), but they are compostable in an industrial facility.

Georganics’ Beechwood Toothbrushes

Shop Georganics

• Format: Manual toothbrush. Soft, medium, firm bristle options plus kids’ size.
• Handle: FSC-certified Swiss Beechwood (compostable). Supplier replants every tree and uses wood scraps to heat the German factory.
• Bristles: BPA-free gum-safe nylon. Recyclable through Georganics’ Zero-to-Landfill program (UK customers: write “Free-post Georganics” on package, ships free).
• Made in: Germany (handles). UK-based brand.
• What else makes it more sustainable: 1% for the Planet member. Supports Dentaid and environmental nonprofits.
• Packaging: Cardboard box printed with vegetable inks (compostable)
• Price: ~£4

Georganics does something a little different with their version of the most eco-friendly toothbrush. Instead of bamboo, the compostable handles are made of FSC-certified Swiss Beechwood. Every tree their supplier cuts down is replanted, and any excess wood scraps are used to heat their German factory.

Whether you’re in need of palm oil-free toothpaste or peace silk floss, UK-based Georganics is your do-good dental shop. Their products are mostly certified COSMOS organic and plastic-free.

EcoRoots’s Bamboo Toothbrushes

Shop EcoRoots

• Format: Manual bamboo toothbrush
• Handle: 100% compostable bamboo
• Bristles: Soft nylon (BPA-free, non-toxic), infused with activated charcoal for whitening. Recyclable through TerraCycle.
• Made in: No information on where the brushes are made but the business is based in Colorado, USA
• What else makes it more sustainable: Ships plastic-free.
• Price: ~$4–$6

One billion plastic toothbrushes are disposed of every single year in the US and EcoRoots wants to reduce that number with their bamboo toothbrush. Certified vegan and cruelty-free, they bear a 100% compostable bamboo toothbrush handle that’s anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and antimicrobial. The recyclable toothbrush bristles are still made with soft nylon, but they’re BPA-free and non-toxic, and infused with activated charcoal for whitening benefits.

From tooth to toilet, EcoRoots is an ethical online store committed to helping customers fill their homes with things that aren’t plastic.

What is an eco-friendly toothbrush? And what makes a toothbrush sustainable? In matters of the mouth, materials matter (now there’s a mouthful).

The most popular plastic-free toothbrush handle alternative is bamboo. Bamboo has a lot of properties that make it good for mouths (anti-fungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial) and it’s 100% compostable—even in your indoor compost bin.

It’s also one of the fastest-growing, least water-consumptive plants and, once it’s harvested for toothbrushes, it can continue growing because harvesting doesn’t kill the core plant.

Bamboo may be the best sustainable toothbrush material for now, but the industry continues to evolve. Brands like SURI are pioneering repairable aluminum handles paired with recyclable plant-based heads. And brands like Georganics offer FSC-certified beechwood as another alternative.

However, to make a bamboo toothbrush zero waste in every way, we have to consider the bristles, too.

Now we get to the real complication in the world of eco-friendly toothbrushes: bristles.

It’s not too difficult to have a biodegradable toothbrush as far as the handle is concerned, but bristles often get in the way of a toothbrush being fully compostable.

Remember that nearly all materials will technically degrade after some time, but oftentimes it takes hundreds of years. Compostable materials are biodegradable, but biodegradable materials aren’t necessarily compostable. Pretty simple concept, right? Well, not for some brands who fall a bristle short and confuse the two and end up greenwashing.

Here are the main bristle types you’ll encounter:

Boar Bristle Toothbrushes

Boar bristles are the only undoubtedly compostable toothbrush bristles currently available—but brushing our teeth with pig hair sounds like the worst way to get a fresh and minty mouth. Not a vegan option.

Castor Bean Oil Bristles (Nylon 11 / Nylon 1010)

While castor bean (AKA Ricinus communis) is a flowering plant, the bristles made out of it aren’t always as wholesome as they might sound. Nylon-11 is what you get when you subject castor bean oil to a complex (and chemically intensive) process. Its biodegradability is still up in the air.

Some brands claim their castor bean oil bristles are home compostable, some state they’re industrially compostable, and some still place them on the list of what not to compost and recommend recycling. We’re inclined to err on the safe side and agree with the latter.

Nylon Bristles (Standard)

Many eco-friendly toothbrushes still use standard nylon bristles (BPA-free). While nylon is just another word for plastic, some brands use recycled nylon. Remove with pliers and recycle through TerraCycle, then compost the bamboo handle separately.

Charcoal-Infused Bristles

Some brands (like EcoRoots) infuse their bristles with activated charcoal or bamboo charcoal for whitening and detoxifying benefits. Still typically nylon-based.

For more on our views on what makes a toothbrush truly sustainable, watch our video:

Manual Sustainable Toothbrush vs. Electric: Which Is Better?

Research consistently shows that electric toothbrushes provide superior cleaning compared to manual brushing. A major long-term study found that people who used electric toothbrushes had significantly better oral health after 11 years. For those prioritizing dental health alongside sustainability, a bamboo electric toothbrush like Sustainable Tomorrow or a premium option like SURI can offer the best of both worlds.

That said, the most sustainable toothbrush is the one that minimizes waste over its lifetime. A well-made bamboo manual toothbrush that’s fully compostable may have a lower overall environmental footprint than an electric one with electronic components and batteries. The key is choosing the option that works best for your oral health while minimizing environmental impact.

If going electric, look for brands with: replaceable heads made from compostable or recyclable materials, long battery life, repairable design, and take-back or recycling programs for used heads and components.

How to Care for Your Sustainable Toothbrush

Caring for your eco-friendly toothbrush properly extends its life and keeps it hygienic:

• Rinse bristles thoroughly after each use to remove toothpaste residue and food debris
• Store upright in a well-ventilated area to allow air circulation and prevent mold growth
• Avoid leaving bamboo handles sitting in water or in a closed, moist container
• Replace every 3 months (or when bristles start to fray), as recommended by dentists
• For electric toothbrushes, follow manufacturer guidelines for head replacement and charging

How to Dispose of Your Eco-Friendly Toothbrush

When your sustainable toothbrush reaches end of life:

• Bamboo handles: Remove bristles with pliers. Compost the handle in your backyard or municipal compost.
• Castor bean oil bristles: While biobased, these may not readily break down in home compost. Recycle through TerraCycle or your local recycling program.
• Nylon bristles: Remove with pliers and recycle through TerraCycle or brand-specific programs (e.g., Georganics’ Zero-to-Landfill for UK customers).
• Metal staples: Collect aluminum staples and recycle with other metals.
• Packaging: Most brands use compostable cardboard that goes in compost or recycling.
• Electric toothbrush handles: Recycle as e-waste. Some brands (like SURI) offer repair services.

If you’re still wondering how to make your toothbrush more sustainable, here’s some more ideas for re-using your zero waste toothbrushes:

• Use it for zero waste cleaning before retiring it altogether. The small brush heads are perfect for cleaning grout, bike parts, stains on shoes or sneakers, and more.
• Use the bamboo handles to label your seedlings or plants in your garden.
• If you have or work with kids, keep the handles for arts and crafts projects.

Frequently Asked Questions on Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes

What is the most eco-friendly toothbrush?

The most eco-friendly toothbrush is the one you already have. Use it until it needs replacing. When it’s time for a new one, a bamboo toothbrush with plant-based castor bean oil bristles (like Brush with Bamboo or ZWS Essentials) eliminates the most plastic. For electric users, brands like SURI and Sustainable Tomorrow offer compostable or recyclable replacement heads.

Are bamboo toothbrushes as effective as plastic ones?

Yes. Bamboo toothbrushes clean just as effectively as plastic ones. They’re made on the same machinery and available in the same bristle firmness options. The handle material doesn’t affect cleaning performance. What matters most is proper brushing technique and replacing your brush every 3 months.

Are bamboo toothbrushes really sustainable?

Yes. Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on earth, requires minimal water and no pesticides, and the handle is fully compostable. The main caveat is the bristles as most are still nylon or semi-synthetic castor oil derivatives that aren’t truly compostable at home. But a bamboo toothbrush still eliminates approximately 90% of the plastic compared to conventional ones.

Is there a fully compostable toothbrush?

The closest options are toothbrushes with boar (pig hair) bristles, which are fully home compostable but not vegan. ZWS Essentials claims their castor bean oil bristles are backyard compostable, though this remains unverified by third-party certification. For practical purposes, most eco-friendly toothbrushes require removing the bristles (for recycling) and composting the bamboo handle separately.

Are bamboo toothbrushes zero waste?

Close, but not quite literally. The bamboo handle is 100% compostable. The bristles typically need to be removed and recycled separately. Metal staples should also be removed and recycled. Packaging from most brands is fully compostable cardboard. Overall, a bamboo toothbrush generates far less waste than a conventional plastic one.

How often should I replace my bamboo toothbrush?

Every 3 months, same as any toothbrush. Dentists recommend replacing when bristles fray, as worn bristles are less effective at removing plaque. Bamboo toothbrushes last just as long as plastic ones when properly cared for.

Can bamboo toothbrushes get moldy?

Bamboo is naturally anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and antimicrobial, which helps prevent mold. However, like any natural material, it can develop mold if left sitting in water or stored in a consistently damp area. Always store upright and allow it to dry between uses.

Are sustainable toothbrush bristles safe?

Yes. Both castor bean oil and BPA-free nylon bristles are safe for oral use. Many brands are FDA registered and meet the same safety standards as conventional toothbrushes. Castor bean oil bristles are plant-derived and free from fossil fuels.

Are biodegradable toothbrush bristles really biodegradable?

This is where it gets complicated. While castor bean oil bristles are marketed as biodegradable, the process of turning castor oil into bristle material (Nylon 11 or Nylon 1010) involves complex chemical processing. Independent testing has shown these bristles don’t readily break down in home compost. They are biobased (plant-sourced, not petroleum), but true biodegradability in real-world conditions remains questionable. We recommend removing bristles and recycling rather than composting. Read our guide on the difference between biodegradable and compostable for more information.

What are the best eco-friendly toothbrush heads for electric toothbrushes?

Sustainable Tomorrow makes bamboo heads for their own toothbrush and also Philips Sonicare-compatible bamboo heads. SURI’s plant-based heads can be returned through their free recycling mailer. These options address the biggest waste component: the disposable heads replaced every 3 months.

Feeling like you have a potty mouth after reading this?

Toothbrushes, like most consumables these days, are notoriously damaging to the health of our planet. And zero waste toothbrushes—like the rest of the zero waste philosophy—aren’t quite literally zero waste. They’re just one of those things where we simply have no choice but to accept that caveat of imperfection.

But there is a shimmer to be found in our smiles; we’re getting closer to having a fully vegan and compostable toothbrush thanks to these eco-friendly toothbrush brands. Whether you go for a simple bamboo brush from Brush with Bamboo, an innovative electric option from Sustainable Tomorrow or SURI, or a travel-friendly choice from etee or ZWS Essentials, you’re making a meaningful reduction in your plastic footprint.

To help loved ones avoid both plaque and the insidious plastic toothbrush, pass along this article of toothy tips.

Editor’s Note: Joy McConnochie has been testing and researching sustainable personal care products for 8+ years as part of Sustainable Jungle’s mission to help people make more informed, environmentally responsible choices. All products are independently tested, researched, and in some cases rated using our comprehensive sustainability rating methodology. This article was first published in January 2024 and has been comprehensively updated in February 2026 with new brands, fresh product reviews, an expanded FAQ section, and updated brand information.