Can I Recycle My Old Invisalign Aligners?

Key Takeaways

• In fact, most Invisalign aligners aren’t recyclable at all, even in local recycling programs across the United States. Their specialty plastics and high contamination potential are two risks to recyclability.
• Recycle used aligners through TerraCycle. So always make sure to follow your dentist’s or orthodontist’s disposal guidelines!
• Other aligner packaging, like the overall box and some of the plastic bags can be recycled. As always, be sure to consult your city’s waste management service for local recycling guidelines!
• We recommend holding onto your last set of aligners as a precautionary backup. That way, you have an immediate solution prepared if your current tray is misplaced or otherwise damaged while in treatment.
• While creative repurposing of old aligner trays is possible for non-medical uses, hygiene must be a top priority. Always check with your orthodontist before attempting alternative uses.
• Fortunately, new sustainable dental material trends and dental recycling programs are making headway! Follow along and talk to your dental provider about environmentally friendly products and programs.

Although many ortho patients would probably love to recycle their used Invisalign aligners, most curbside recycling programs across the U.S. Do not accept them. First of all, these aligners are made from medical-grade plastic. They don’t fit in regular recycling bins because of rigid regulations for dental waste disposal.

While some dental offices will take the time to set aside used aligners for more involved recycling initiatives, this is not the case universally. As a result, most individuals simply dispose of old aligners in the garbage. For those in Los Angeles and other big cities, finding a local recycling program that takes dental plastics can be tough.

Most professionals suggest inquiring with your orthodontist about safe disposal methods for aligners. Our recyclers’ guide will walk you through recycling your used Invisalign trays. You’ll learn how to dispose of them in an eco-friendly way!

What Are Aligners Actually Made Of?

Aligners such as Invisalign utilize a series of clear thermoplastic polymers to effectively move teeth. These plastics aren’t just pretty colors—they’re selected for their strength, flexibility, and safety for extended use in the mouth. Most aligners today use clear, medical-grade thermoplastics, commonly a blend of polyurethane or polycarbonate.

Some formulations have since introduced organic bio-based components into the mix, comprising over 30–40% of the resin in some brands.

The Special Plastic Explained

What makes the plastic used in aligners unique is its ability to maintain its form. It’s flexible enough to contour closely to your teeth. This unique combination allows the aligner to exert constant, gentle force on teeth over time without shattering or fissuring.

So, how does that process start? It all starts with 3D printing. Anything from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polylactic acid, or Tera Hard TC-85, the very first direct 3D-printed aligner material! After going through the printing process, the aligners are then vacuum formed over a model of your teeth.

Or, maybe they just go directly from the printer! This contributes to the strength and custom fit of the aligners. While wire braces use strong metals like steel or titanium, aligners depend on these durable plastics to create a comfortable, low-profile, smooth touch.

Why This Material Matters

Choosing safe, non-toxic plastics when putting them in your mouth is critical. Our materials do not leach harmful chemicals and comply with strict U.S. Dental standards. This is important for your comfort!

The soft, flexible plastic makes for a snugger fit of the aligner against your teeth, causing less chafing and fewer abrasions than metal braces. On top of that, the choice of material affects how well your treatment works, from how fast teeth move to how clear the aligner stays over weeks of wear.

The Big Question: Recycling Aligners?

Most consumers think that dental aligners, such as Invisalign, can be thrown in with other plastics for recycling. The reality is far more complicated. Today, that means around 25 million aligners going to landfills each year. This problem affects not just our communities, but the environment as a whole.

These aligners are composed predominantly of durable plastics. They are in a unique, gray area between household waste and medical waste, raising questions about both their disposal and ability to be recycled.

1. The Straight Answer (Mostly No)

The Straight Answer (Mostly No) 1. Standard bins are not feasible for them. What really distinguishes these devices is the combination of plastics used. Their classification as class IIa medical devices makes them unable to go into regular recycling streams.

To reduce their footprint, talk to your dentist about take-back or mail-in programs. Learn how to determine if these cost-saving options are right for you! To address this, some brands have begun offering returns for old aligners to be recycled in bulk.

2. Why They’re Tough to Recycle

Aligners are made of multiple types of plastics that are melted together, making it very difficult to sort and process. Since after use they are filled with saliva and bacteria, there’s an even greater risk of contamination.

There are hardly any recycling facilities in the U.S. That have the capacity or expertise to decontaminate and grind dental plastics. These restrictions prevent general recycling from being an option for most Americans.

3. Are Aligners Medical Waste?

Anything that has been in a patient’s mouth throughout the course of the treatment falls under medical waste. Properly treating them this way can go a long way in preventing the spread of germs.

Only a few localities require residents to return these devices to dental practices for proper disposal.

4. Checking Your Local US Options

Recycling rules vary greatly by city or state. Many waste management services will direct you to specific drop-off locations. A little research goes a long way.

It definitely pays off to call your city and/or look online for locations that accept dental products.

5. Any Special Recycling Programs?

Today, a handful of companies operate recycling programs for dental plastics. Some have partnered with dental clinics to collect and process used aligners, sanitizing them and recycling them into raw materials.

Check with your dentist and see if they work with any of these programs.

Beyond the Bin: Aligner Alternatives

As for your used Invisalign aligners, do not throw them in the non-recyclable waste. Don’t recycle them, that’s not the smart play. These custom-fitted trays are produced with special medical-grade plastic—which requires special care to dispose of properly.

Millions of these discarded aligners end up in landfills each year in the United States. They make the plastic problem worse because they don’t decompose for millennia. You can’t drop them into recycling bins with your other plastics. Because they can have pointed, fragile edges, it’s good to consider alternatives to recycling when dealing with used trays.

Keep a Set (Just In Case!)

Most orthodontists will advise you to keep your final aligners, particularly if you enter retention. If you happen to misplace or damage your primary set, you’ll have a backup at the ready. It prevents your teeth from shifting while you wait for a replacement.

Many engineers like to have a backup set on hand for small adjustments down the line. Always check with your orthodontist first before making adjustments with old trays. It’s a small thing, but it can save a lot of time and panic if a sudden emergency arises.

Creative Uses for Old Trays?

Old aligner trays are helpful for sorting small objects such as beads, screws, or earring backs. Some crafty people have turned them into molds for resin or clay creations. In fact, they need to be cleaned thoroughly and should never be used for projects involving food or skin.

After a while, the plastic can get sharp or brittle. Don’t give it to your children for arts and crafts or any other use where they might hurt themselves!

Ask Your Orthodontist’s Advice

Before doing anything, discuss with your orthodontist the proper method of disposing of old aligners. Dental professionals can help advise on safe disposal and discuss any available recycling programs.

They can further advise you if you’re concerned about plastic pollution. They’re the best resource for safely managing medical-grade plastics.

Don’t Forget Aligner Packaging

Aligner packaging is usually too easily forgotten. It’s more important than people realize. The packaging doesn’t have to be a one-time use item.

It’s a crucial part of dental aligner treatment that helps to keep aligners clean, safe, and organized. Many dentists and orthodontists recommend keeping each package until the treatment is complete. This prevents confusion or misplacement of aligners by keeping everything organized.

Some prefer to label each freezer bag with a date. We’re able to measure progress well with this system. That simplifies using the correct set, even if an emergency requires switching back.

Recycling Those Little Bags

The little plastic pouches we’ve received aligners in are typically made from low value, flexible plastics. While curbside recycling can accept these bags in select U.S. Cities, it’s not a solution adopted everywhere.

Generally, these items require you to take them to dedicated collection drop-off locations, usually located in supermarkets. Before throwing these aligners out, consult your city’s recycling program—recycling regulations vary from city to city.

It’s just a good idea to hold on to these bags until you’re finished with your treatment for both hygiene and organization. Once completed, ensure bags are emptied and cleaned before dropping in any recycling bin. This step reduces packing material waste and helps prevent your home from becoming cluttered with cardboard boxes.

What About the Main Box?

What about the main box? This material is commonly accepted in nearly all local recycling programs. Use two hands to help flatten this box before tossing it in your recycling bin to save space.

Don’t toss it until your aligner journey is complete! It can be a beautiful keepsake, or even just a big reminder of how far you’ve come.

Recycling the box—along with the recycling bags—reduces unnecessary packaging waste and protects our planet and environment.

Why Bother? The Green Impact

While everyone has been focused on plastics, clear aligners are definitely a newer and growing part of that equation. Every single one of those sets translates to millions of more plastic utensils dumped into our world. With millions wearing Invisalign in the United States alone, the waste certainly accumulates!

Even though aligners themselves are small, their large-scale production and disposal still consume energy and produce waste. Even the packaging and 3D printing steps, which utilize plastics such as ABS and PLA, are capable of shedding microplastics. New research clearly indicates that microplastics don’t remain locked away in landfills — they escape.

Researchers have even detected microplastics in human placentas, prompting concern that these microplastics have long-term health and environmental effects.

Dental Waste: A Growing Concern

From commercial toothbrushes to plastic aligners, dental waste clogs our landfills on a daily basis. According to the American Dental Association, that’s over 50 million pounds of dental waste annually in the U.S. That’s because most of it can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Aligners, produced with durable plastics, remain in the soil and water. With the global market for clear aligners projected to continue increasing, this level will only increase. Clearly, we need to do better with dental waste.

If we don’t, we will be left with more pollution, including an additional influx of microplastics into our environment.

Small Steps, Big Difference

Consumers can contribute by inquiring with their dental provider about available recycling programs, or having a treatment that requires fewer aligners planned with precision. Other companies are experimenting with biodegradable plastics, or renewable bio-based alternatives.

Discussing proper disposal methods with friends and family helps engage others and spread the word. The more people who commit to these little steps in a big way, the less waste there is overall.

Giving each other tips is one of the best ways to help everyone make better and more informed choices. Like how to recycle used aligners or source eco-friendly dental products!

Future of Sustainable Smiles

Sustainability is increasingly being prioritized in all aspects of health care, including dentistry, with the rise in popularity of clear aligners. Like many dental products such as these aligners, they are made from plastics that can take hundreds of years to decompose. The industry is on the forefront of finding new ways to minimize our environmental footprint.

It’s tackling the waste associated with orthodontic treatments.

Greener Materials on Horizon?

Future aligners will likely be composed of biodegradable or recyclable materials, according to new research. Researchers have begun exploring biodegradable polymers derived from biological sources. They want to create materials that decompose significantly faster than conventional plastics.

This change is significant. As of 2020, an estimated 1,875 tons of aligner waste had accumulated, adding to the alarming increase in plastic pollution. As aligners aren’t disposed of properly, they can contribute to landfill waste and potentially leach into microplastics.

Research has even identified microplastics in human tissues, provoking concern for their health impacts. As innovation progresses, brands that are true environmental leaders will always be a step ahead. Purchasing products from these brands helps to drive the industry to continue seeking greener alternatives.

How Dental Offices Can Help

Dental offices can help create a more sustainable approach to orthodontics. Fortunately, there are simple steps that individuals and businesses alike can take to reduce waste—such as participating in recycling programs for used aligners.

Dental practices consume substantial resources—an average of over 57,000 gallons of water per year. Even small adjustments—such as installing water-saving devices—can go a long way. Providing guidance on the best ways and methods for aligner disposal is equally important.

Some of these offices even conduct Go Green awareness campaigns to educate patients on how to properly recycle used aligners instead of throwing them in the trash. Semipermanent fillings and 3D printing community recycling drives are just two examples of promising avenues to continue reducing dental waste.

Conclusion

So, to recap, the vast majority of Invisalign aligners should not be placed in the curbside recycle bin in the U.S. The plastic blend they’re made of simply isn’t suitable for conventional recycling. We get it—tossing worn trays in the trash is easy, but that hurts for people who are looking to produce less waste. With more brands of aligners recently piloting take-back programs or greener packaging, the landscape is constantly evolving. Even minor changes, such as reusing aligner cases or cleaning up after yourself, make a big difference. Until then, most aligners will continue to contribute to landfill waste, but greener alternatives may soon appear on the market. Have other questions or looking to advocate for more sustainable aligner options? If you’re not sure, ask your orthodontist or your local waste disposal center—they’ll have the scoop on your area’s guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Invisalign aligners be recycled in Los Angeles?

The good news is that you can recycle Invisalign aligners through your regular Los Angeles recycling bin. This is because they are made of medical-grade plastic, which most local recycling programs do not accept.

What material are Invisalign aligners made of?

What material are Invisalign aligners made of? While this material is a great option for moving teeth safely and effectively, it actually cannot be recycled in curbside programs.

How should I dispose of used aligners?

It’s best to dispose of used aligners in your household garbage. As of now, there aren’t any local recycling options or mail-back programs available for them in Los Angeles.

Can aligner packaging be recycled?

Alignment packaging Yes, most Invisalign aligner packaging, such as cardboard boxes and paper inserts, are recyclable in Los Angeles. Always look for the recycling symbol and rinse items before tossing them into your blue bin.

Are there eco-friendly alternatives to traditional aligners?

Other brands do have aligners that are at least partially recycled plastics, or create their own take-back programs. Again, be sure to consult your orthodontist regarding what may be available locally as options can differ in Los Angeles.

Why is recycling aligners challenging?

Aligners are primarily made of thermoplastic elastomers that are difficult to separate, and require strict safety compliance standards. This is what makes them so hard to recycle through any sort of municipal, city, or curbside recycling program in Los Angeles today.

What is being done to make aligners more sustainable?

Invisalign, SmileDirectClub, and other brands are studying sustainable materials and recycling initiatives. Though the industry is moving in the direction of greener solutions, availability remains admittedly scarce in Southern California.