Do Bamboo Toothbrushes Have Plastic Bristles?
Updated November 2026
Most do. The handle is bamboo, but the bristles on most bamboo toothbrushes, Naterra’s included, are nylon, which is a type of plastic. So a bamboo toothbrush uses far less plastic than a plastic one, but it isn’t plastic-free, and it isn’t fully compostable until the bristles come off.
Why are the bristles nylon?
Nylon holds up to months of daily brushing and can be made soft, which is what dental guidance asks for: the American Dental Association recommends soft bristles because they minimise the risk of wearing away your gums. Be careful with any brush sold as “100% biodegradable”, and check what its bristles are made of.
What does BPA-free mean?
BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical used to make some plastics. BPA-free means the bristles are made without it. Naterra’s white and charcoal-grey bristles are both BPA-free nylon.
How to dispose of a bamboo toothbrush
- Pull the bristles out with pliers, or snap off the head.
- Put the bristles in your regular waste. They’re too small to recycle in most places.
- Compost the handle if you can, or bury it in the garden. Otherwise, it goes in your regular waste too.
Waste collection differs from one area of Lebanon to another, so check what your municipality accepts. The handle also makes a good plant label before you let it go.
More guides
- Bamboo vs Plastic Toothbrush: What Actually Changes?
- How Long Does a Bamboo Toothbrush Last?
- Which Toothbrush Is Best for Sensitive Gums?
- Best Bamboo Toothbrush in Lebanon: How to Choose One