Can You Recycle Toothpaste Tubes?

Can You Recycle Toothpaste Tubes?

Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on 24 April 2026

Most still can't. Colgate's 2019 redesign uses HDPE #2 and is curbside-accepted. Older multi-layer tubes must go to TerraCycle's Colgate Oral Care program (free mail-in).

Toothpaste tubes are often made from a mix of materials like aluminum, plastic, or paper that are tough for recycling facilities to separate properly. This complexity means they're usually not recyclable through standard kerbside collections.

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

Why Toothpaste Tubes Isn't Easy to Recycle

Older toothpaste tubes typically contain multiple layers of material-often a thin layer of aluminum sandwiched between two types of plastic-that make them difficult to recycle. These multi-layer compositions are hard for recycling plants to break down and sort efficiently, leading to high costs and low yields.

How to Recycle Toothpaste Tubes Properly

For newer toothpaste tubes made from HDPE #2 like Colgate's 2019 design, you can simply include them in your kerbside collection. However, for older multi-layered tubes, TerraCycle's Colgate Oral Care program offers a free mail-in recycling option.

To participate in the TerraCycle programme:

1. Go to their website and sign up.
2. Print out prepaid shipping labels if needed.
3. Place all used toothpaste tubes into one bag or box.
4. Mail it back using the provided address.

According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022.

Alternatives to Throwing Toothpaste Tubes Away

Before recycling, consider reusing your empty toothpaste tubes creatively:

• Use them for storing screws or small hardware around the house.
• Cut off the top and use as a makeshift paintbrush applicator.
• Flatten and roll up tubes to create handy storage containers.

Alternatively, swap out regular toothpaste tubes for solid toothpaste tablets that come in paper packaging-much easier to recycle. Brands like Bite offer these sustainable options.

FAQ

Can I Put Toothpaste Tubes in My Kerbside Bin?

No, unless you have newer models made from single-layer HDPE #2 plastic, which are rare and only introduced by a few companies recently.

What If My Tube Isn't Colgate's New Design?

TerraCycle's free mail-in program is your best bet. toothpaste tubes accepts all types of toothpaste tubes regardless of brand or material composition.

How Do I Know if My Toothpaste Tube Is Recyclable?

Look for the recycling symbol and check if it lists HDPE #2 plastic as the main material. If not, you'll need to use TerraCycle's program or find similar specialized services in your area.

Sources

• US EPA
• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
• Consumer Technology Association