Invisalign trays have a sleek, clear design and offer an effective way to straighten teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. However, it comes with recycling challenges. Invisalign trays are made from a proprietary blend of materials, including polyurethane resin, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, and 1,6-hexanediol, and are not accepted by standard recycling programs.
Find out why Invisalign trays are difficult to recycle and take a look at specialized recycling solutions for these and similar products.
Why Invisalign trays cannot be locally recycled
Invisalign tray materials combine several elements to provide durability and flexibility, but they are not compatible with traditional recycling streams.
Invisalign trays fall into the composite category. This means they are made of different materials that are difficult to separate for reuse. Standard recyclers typically focus on more common plastics like PET and HDPE, which are used in things like water bottles and containers. The additives that make Invisalign durable over many nights of wear are a barrier to recycling through municipal programs.
To learn more about composite materials and the challenges of recycling, check out our guide to recycling composite packaging.
TerraCycle has a solution for Invisalign trays
If you want to recycle your used trays, joining a professional program may be your best option. This means you can ask your dentist to participate. Invisalign has partnered with TerraCycle, a company known for recycling difficult-to-process items such as oral care products. This partnership will allow dental practices to set up collection points for Invisalign trays and other similar items. Patients can ask their orthodontist or dentist if they are participating in this terracycle program If you haven’t already done so, we encourage you to do so.
Alternatively, TerraCycle is for individual consumers. Oral Care Zero Waste Poucha prepaid mail bath pouch allows you to send your oral care products, like Invisalign trays, for recycling. A convenient solution if your dental practice does not participate in the TerraCycle program.
Promoting recycling at dental clinics
If your dental practice isn’t already participating in Invisalign’s TerraCycle program, consider joining. Let them know about the environmental benefits of offering recycling options for Invisalign trays, especially since many patients go through multiple trays during treatment.
Other ways to reduce waste during treatment
- Consolidate reservations: To avoid the environmental impact of frequent travel, if your orthodontist allows it, try to consolidate your checkups and receive multiple sets of trays at once.
- Keep old tray as backup: Rather than discarding each tray, consider keeping the last used set as a backup in case the current set is lost or damaged.
- Reconsider disposable products: Talk to your dentist about other ways to make your orthodontic treatment more sustainable, such as avoiding the use of single-use plastic dental supplies.
Although Invisalign trays are not recyclable in the traditional sense, TerraCycle’s specialty program provides options for environmentally conscious patients. Recycling of complex materials is a growing field, and with the growing demand for responsible recycling options, more solutions are likely to emerge. Until then, consider using TerraCycle’s services to assert your presence in your dental practice and make sustainable choices throughout your Invisalign journey.
