Recharging and Recycling Batteries

Before First Using Your Sonicare

When you first get your Sonicare, a 2-minute brushing can be obtained after just 1 hour of charging time, so you may start using your Sonicare almost immediately. However, to ensure your Sonicare batteries are fully charged, it is recommended you keep your Sonicare in the charger during the first few days of use.

Long-Term Charging

Because you cannot overcharge your Sonicare toothbrush, feel free to store your Sonicare toothbrush in the charger base, plugged in, when not in use for maximum battery life. However, your brush will retain a charge for approximately two weeks of normal use (that's two brushings a day, 2 minutes each) without charging. Also, the Sonicare batteries have no "memory," and don't require full discharge; you can recharge anytime.

Charger bases are available in different voltages for worldwide use.

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Recycling the Batteries

FlexCare

FlexCare uses Lithium Ion batteries. The batteries will last for many years of regular use. The Lithium Ion batteries inside your FlexCare toothbrush cannot be replaced. However, when they no longer function, they are easily removed for disposal, along with the handle. This Lithium Ion battery does not contain heavy metals like Cadmium in NICD batteries so they are much less hazardous to the environment. But it does need to be disposed of safely.

Do not throw away your brush with normal household waste at the end of its life. Instead hand it over at an official collection point for recycling. By doing this we help preserve the environment. You can recycle the batteries yourself in accordance with your local recycling program. For questions regarding your local recycling centers, contact you local waste management office.

Or you may go to www.RBRC.org to find the nearest drop off site for your batteries.

To dispose of the battery please follow these steps.

1. To remove the rechargeable Lithium Ion battery you’ll need a flat-head (standard) screwdriver. Observe basic safety precautions when you follow the procedure outlined below. Be sure to protect your eyes, hands, fingers and the surface on which you work.
2. Deplete the rechargeable battery of any charge, remove the FlexCare handle from the charger base, turn on the brush and let it run until it stops. Repeat this step until you can no longer switch on the brush.
3. Insert a screwdriver into the slot located at the bottom of the handle and turn counterclockwise to release the bottom cap.
4. Hold the handle upside down, and push down on the shaft to release the internal components of the handle.
5. Insert the screwdriver under the circuit board, next to the battery connections, and twist to break the connections, remove circuit board and pry the battery from the plastic carrier.

The rechargeable battery can now be recycled and the rest of the product discarded appropriately.

Sonicare Elite

The Sonicare Elite toothbrush battery can't be replaced, but is easily removed for recycling. At the end of product life, and prior to disposal, remove the battery from the handle and dispose them in accordance with your local recycling program. CAUTION: Exercise caution when using any household tools (such as a screwdriver) to remove the battery.

To remove the battery, follow these steps:

1. Deplete the battery of any charge by removing the handle from the charger base, turning on the product and allowing it to run until it stops. Repeat this step until the product will no longer operate.
2. To access the battery in the toothbrush base, you will be using the cuff that attaches the brush head to the handle. First you need to separate that cuff from the brush head by removing the rubber piece at the base of the angled neck. To do so, insert a screwdriver under it and break it out.
3. Take the cuff off of the brush head and place it onto the handle. Tighten the cuff onto the handle until the housing begins to loosen and then pull the cuff forward.
4. Insert a screwdriver between the electronic circuit board and the plastic part close to each end of the battery; twist and break the battery connection from the electronic circuit board in two locations.
5. Separate the rechargeable battery from the appliance with a screwdriver.

Sonicare Advance & Essence

Sonicare toothbrush batteries can't be replaced. However, please don't put your Sonicare handle or batteries in the garbage. The nickel-cadmium batteries used to power your Sonicare toothbrush must be recycled or disposed of properly. You can recycle the batteries in accordance with your local recycling program. CAUTION: Exercise caution when using any household tools (such as a screwdriver) to remove the battery.

To remove the battery from the Sonicare Advance or Essence, follow these steps:

1. Insert a flat-head screwdriver in a slot between the two halves of the handle at the threaded end.
2. Twist or pivot the screwdriver to break apart the two halves.
3. Remove the batteries from the inside of the handle and recycle.