Can You Recycle Shampoo Bottles?

Can You Recycle Shampoo Bottles?

Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on 24 April 2026

Yes, plastic shampoo bottles (HDPE #2 or PET #1) are curbside-accepted when empty and rinsed. Pump tops often need to go in the trash unless removed and recycled separately.

Shampoo bottles are typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which are commonly recyclable materials. These plastics have specific resin identification codes-HDPE is #2, while PET is #1-which help recycling facilities sort them efficiently.

According to the WHO, e-waste contains over 1,000 different substances, many of them toxic.

Why Shampoo Bottles Is Easy to Recycle

Shampoo bottles are made from HDPE or PET because these materials are durable yet lightweight, making them ideal for packaging liquids. The reason they're easy to recycle lies in their chemical makeup: both plastics can be melted down and reformed into new products without significant degradation of quality.

How to Recycle Shampoo Bottles Properly

To recycle shampoo bottles properly, start by rinsing them out to remove any residue. Next, check your local kerbside collection rules or visit the website for your city's recycling programme. For instance, in London, you can consult the official City of London Recycling Guide online.

If your area doesn't accept pump tops with the bottle itself. Consider removing these parts and placing them in the general waste bin. Alternatively, some communities offer drop-off points for specific types of recyclables like plastic caps or triggers. Terracycle is a company that runs various recycling programmes for hard-to-recycle items; they have schemes specifically for beauty product packaging.

According to the US EPA, recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent of electricity used by 3,657 us homes in a year.

Alternatives to Throwing Shampoo Bottles Away

Instead of tossing shampoo bottles in the trash, consider reusing them creatively. For example, empty and clean bottles can be refilled with homemade hair care products or used as storage containers for small craft supplies. Alternatively, look into donation options like TerraCycle's Loop programme, which aims to reduce waste through reusable packaging.

FAQ

Q: Can I recycle shampoo bottles in the US? A: Yes, many US cities offer kerbside recycling for empty and rinsed shampoo bottles made from HDPE (#2) or PET (#1).

Q: Do all countries have kerbside recycling for shampoo bottles? A: No, some regions may require you to take them to a designated recycling centre. Always check with your local government or waste management service provider.

Q: What should I do if my city doesn't accept pump tops along with the bottle? A: Remove the pump top and place it in the trash unless there's a specific programme that accepts them separately, like Terracycle's recycling schemes for beauty product packaging.

Sources

• WHO
• US EPA
• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024