Chris
Great Technology, Irresponsible Leadership: Why I Cannot Recommend Waterpik
I recently reached out to Waterpik regarding the end-of-life disposal of my device, specifically looking for a manufacturer reclamation program. In 2025, it is standard practice for competent electronics manufacturers to take responsibility for the hazardous materials (lithium-ion batteries) and precious metals they introduce into the market. I was shocked when Waterpik customer support informed me that the company has no reclamation program and expects customers to simply offload this hazardous electronic waste onto their local municipalities. This policy—or lack thereof—is not just disappointing; it is negligent. It signals a profound incompetence and ignorance at the senior leadership level regarding the circular economy and modern sustainability standards. While other companies (like Panasonic) are actively reclaiming materials to close the loop on production, Waterpik is operating on an outdated, lazy "take-make-waste" model that externalizes their pollution costs onto the public. A water flosser may clean your teeth, but a company that refuses to clean up its own mess does not deserve your money. I urge consumers to withhold financial support from Waterpik until they take the consumer product lifecycle seriously and implement a responsible reclamation program.
