Can You Recycle Bottle Caps?

Can You Recycle Bottle Caps?

Last reviewed by James Hartley on 24 April 2026

Yes, keep plastic caps on their bottles (modern sorting handles them). Metal caps go in kerbside bins; drop them in a steel can first so they're not missed.

Plastic bottle caps often contain PET or HDPE and metal ones usually consist of aluminum. Each material requires different recycling processes but both have viable options for responsible disposal. Modern recycling facilities use advanced machinery that can handle the separation and sorting of these materials, making it easier than ever to recycle bottle caps effectively.

According to the UNEP, A single tonne of circuit boards contains 40-800 times more gold than a tonne of ore.

Why Bottle Caps Is Easy to Recycle

Bottle caps are made from either plastic or metal, which are highly recyclable materials. For instance, most plastic caps are made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), both of which can be recycled into new products like park benches and playground equipment. Metal bottle caps typically consist of aluminum, a material that retains 70% of its original value after recycling according to the Aluminium Association.

How to Recycle Bottle Caps Properly

For plastic caps, leave them on the bottles before placing them in your kerbside collection bin-many modern facilities can handle this. Metal bottle caps should be removed and placed inside a steel can or a similar item that's already part of your kerbside recycling stream. This helps prevent the small metal pieces from falling through sorting machines.

If you're looking for more specific options, consider taking advantage of programmes like TerraCycle's Zero Waste Box which offers dedicated spaces to recycle various hard-to-handle items, including bottle caps. Another option is to check with local community centres or municipal recycling facilities that may host special collection events where you can drop off recyclables in bulk.

According to the WHO, improper e-waste disposal releases toxic substances including lead, mercury, and cadmium into soil and water.

Alternatives to Throwing Bottle Caps Away

Instead of tossing away bottle caps, consider reusing them creatively. For example, metal caps can be used for crafts like making keychains or plant markers. Plastic caps might find new life as decorations on homemade greeting cards or as beads for jewelry.

Another idea is to donate your clean and dry caps to recycling drives organised by schools or community groups. Such initiatives often partner with companies that turn collected materials into useful products, reducing waste while supporting local communities. For instance, the Keep America Beautiful organisation runs campaigns aimed at collecting various recyclables, including bottle caps, for reuse.

FAQ

Q: Can I put plastic caps in my recycling bin? A: Yes, you can place them on bottles and toss them into your kerbside collection if your local facility accepts mixed plastics. Otherwise, check with your local council or waste management service for specific instructions.

Q: Where do metal bottle caps go? A: Metal bottle caps should be placed inside a steel can or similar item that goes in your kerbside recycling bin to ensure they're picked up and processed correctly.

Q: Are there any special programmes for bottle cap recycling? A: Yes, TerraCycle offers Zero Waste Boxes specifically designed for hard-to-recycle items like bottle caps. Additionally, community centres often host collection drives where you can drop off recyclables in bulk.

Sources

• UNEP
• WHO
• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024