When a hair brush is worn out, you have three good options: donate it if it is clean and still usable, repurpose it for cleaning or crafts, or take it apart and recycle the pieces you can. Most plastic brushes cannot go in your curbside bin in one piece, because they mix plastic, metal, and rubber together.
So the real answer depends on what shape your brush is in. Here is how to tell, and what to do for each case.
When Should You Replace a Hair Brush?
A brush does not last forever. Most need swapping out about once a year, sooner if you use it daily. Time for a new one when you notice:
- Bristles that are bent, snapped, or splayed out
- Missing little balls on the bristle tips, which can scratch your scalp
- The cushion pad pulling away from the base
- A buildup or smell that will not wash out
- A melted or warped spot from a hot tool
Clean It Before You Donate or Recycle
Whatever you do next is easier with a clean brush. Pull the hair out with a comb, soak the brush in warm water with a drop of shampoo for ten minutes, scrub it with an old toothbrush, then let it dry. For a deeper clean, our bathroom decluttering guide covers the rest of the drawer too.
Donate or Hand It Down
If the brush is clean and still works well, someone may want it. Quality brushes, like wooden or boar-bristle ones, are worth passing on. A few honest notes:
- Ask first. Many shelters prefer new hair brushes for hygiene reasons, so call before you drop one off.
- Friends and family. A barely-used brush you just did not like can go to someone who will.
- Buy Nothing groups. Good detangling brushes and styling tools get claimed quickly.
Recycle the Parts You Can
A whole brush usually cannot go in curbside recycling, but the pieces sometimes can once you take it apart.
- Plastic handle. If it is a single, clean piece of plastic, check your local recycling rules. Many programs still say no, so confirm first.
- Metal pins or handle. Round metal bits up with your scrap metal or take them to a scrap yard.
- Wooden handle. A solid wood handle with no coating can go in the compost or yard waste.
- Store and brand programs. Some beauty brands and mail-in programs like TerraCycle accept hair tools and empties. This is the same idea as recycling old makeup containers and old skincare products.
Repurpose an Old Hair Brush
Before you toss it, an old brush makes a great free cleaning tool.
- Scrub grout, tile, and other tight corners
- Knock dried mud off shoe soles and boots
- Lift pet hair off couches and car seats
- Clean the lint and dust out of other brushes or a hair dryer vent
- Dip the bristles in paint to add texture to a craft project
If you are clearing out a whole drawer of styling tools, you can recycle an old electric toothbrush the same careful way.
Throwing It Away
If a brush is broken and cannot be reused or taken apart, it can go in the regular trash. It is small, so it will not take up much room. Just try the options above first so you are only tossing what truly has no use left.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hair brushes be recycled?
Not usually as a whole brush, because they mix materials. Take it apart and recycle the clean plastic, metal, or wood pieces where your local rules allow, or use a brand take-back program.
How often should you replace a hairbrush?
About once a year for daily use. Replace it sooner if the bristles are broken, the tips are missing their balls, or it will not come clean.
Can you donate used hairbrushes?
Sometimes, if they are clean and in good shape. Many shelters prefer new ones for hygiene, so always ask before donating a used brush.
What can you do with old hairbrushes?
Clean them and donate, repurpose them as cleaning or craft tools, or take them apart to recycle the parts. Trash is the last resort.
Are wooden hairbrushes compostable?
The bare wooden handle often is, once you remove the bristles and any metal. Painted or sealed handles are not, so check before composting.