Recycling & Disposal Guide

Let the Numbers Speak

 

Did you know that over 30 million toothbrushes are thrown into landfill every year across New Zealand and Australia? That’s enough plastic waste to circle the earth several times. We're on a mission to reduce that number by offering a sustainable alternative: the Crescent Nest Sustainable Sonic Toothbrush. But we can't do it without your help. Every small action counts when it comes to protecting our planet.

 

How to Dispose of Brush Heads Sustainably

 

For the best oral hygiene, we recommend changing your toothbrush head every 2-3 months. Our Bamboo brush heads feature a bamboo outer shell paired with premium DuPont™ bristles, a step toward reducing plastic waste, while we are actively working on transitioning to more eco-friendly solutions.

To compost them:

 

  • Remove the DuPont™ bristles and internal components (this makes them industrial compost ready).
  • Check with your local council to see which bin to use. Guidelines vary by region.

 

💡 Tip: In many areas, the bristles and inserts go into general waste, while the outer shell may go into green waste or compost bins.

 

Recycling Your Sonic Toothbrush the Right Way

 

When it’s time to retire your Crescent Nest Sonic Toothbrush, don’t toss it in the bin. As an electrical appliance, it must be disposed of responsibly through certified e-waste recycling channels.

 

Here’s how:

 

🔁 Crescent Care+ Members
If you're on our Crescent Care+ plan, you're covered. We offer free repairs or exchanges for faulty toothbrushes — just contact our team to start the process.

 

🗑️ E-Waste Drop-Off Locations
If you're no longer using the device or it's beyond repair:

📍 New Zealand:

  • Find your nearest e-waste collection site at recycling.kiwi.nz
  • Major retailers like Bunnings, Noel Leeming, and The Warehouse often accept small electronics for recycling. Check with your local store.

📍 Australia:

  • Visit recyclingnearyou.com.au by Planet Ark to locate your closest drop-off point.
  • Bunnings, Officeworks, and some Council Resource Recovery Centres offer free e-waste recycling services.

 

💡 Always check ahead—accepted items can vary by location.

 

Responsible Battery Disposal

 

Your Crescent Nest toothbrush contains a battery, please dispose of it safely. Batteries must never be placed in general household waste.

Look for the symbol of a crossed-out bin on your device, this means it must be recycled separately.

 

Battery chemicals and symbols:

  • Pb: Contains more than 0.004% lead
  • Cd: Contains more than 0.002% cadmium
  • Hg: Contains more than 0.0005% mercury

 

Drop batteries at your local battery recycling collection site, these can often be found at supermarkets, hardware stores, and waste stations.

 

Why It Matters

 

Under New Zealand’s Waste Minimisation Act and Australia’s National Waste Policy, electronics and batteries must be recycled properly. It’s not just good for the environment — it’s the law.

 

By choosing Crescent Nest, you’re already helping reduce plastic waste. Let’s go the extra step and make sure every component ends up in the right place.