Can You Recycle Plastic Bottles?

Can You Recycle Plastic Bottles?

Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on 24 April 2026

Yes, most plastic bottles (PET #1 and HDPE #2) are accepted in kerbside recycling. Rinse, empty, leave caps on, and never bag them. Roughly 29% of US plastic bottles get recycled according to the National Association for PET Container Resources.

Why Plastic Bottles Is Easy to Recycle

Plastic bottles made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and HDPE (high-density polyethylene) are widely accepted because these materials can be easily processed by recycling plants. PET is commonly used for water and soda bottles, while HDPE is found in milk jugs and juice containers.

How to Recycle Plastic Bottles Properly

First, rinse the plastic bottles thoroughly to remove any residue. Leave the caps on, but don't bag them-recycling centres prefer loose items. In the US, check your local curbside recycling guidelines or use sites like Earth911.com to find drop-off locations near you. In the UK, kerbside collection varies by city; for example, London residents can recycle plastic bottles through their borough's council services.

Alternatives to Throwing Plastic Bottles Away

Consider reusing plastic bottles before recycling them. Use empty water bottles as planters or storage containers. Alternatively, donate clean and intact bottles to local schools or community centres that might use them in craft projects. Companies like TerraCycle offer zero-waste solutions for hard-to-recycle items, including plastic bottle caps.

FAQ

Can I recycle all types of plastic bottles? Not all types are recyclable through kerbside services. Focus on PET #1 and HDPE #2 bottles as these are most commonly accepted. Check the recycling symbol on your bottles to ensure they're suitable for curbside or drop-off programs.

What should I do if my local council doesn't accept plastic bottles? Look into private recycling companies like TerraCycle, which offer mail-in programmes for specific materials including plastic bottle caps and rings. Another option is to contact community groups that might run separate collections for hard-to-recycle items.

Are there any benefits to reusing plastic bottles instead of recycling them? Reusing plastic bottles reduces the demand for new plastics, cutting down on resource consumption and waste. Plus, it's a cost-effective way to extend their lifespan before recycling or disposal.

Sources

• WEEE Forum
• WHO
• US EPA