Chloe Zhang
Toothpaste tubes are often made with a combination of different plastics and a thin layer of aluminium, which makes them challenging to recycle. However, some companies, such as Colgate and Tom's of Maine, have started transitioning to recyclable toothpaste tubes made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. This transition aims to address the environmental impact of toothpaste tube packaging and promote sustainability. While these new recyclable tubes are a step in the right direction, there are still limitations in terms of recycling infrastructure and acceptance at certain facilities. It is important for consumers to check with their local recycling programs to ensure proper disposal of these tubes.
Are plastic toothpaste tubes recyclable?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty in recycling | Toothpaste tubes are hard to recycle as they are made of a combination of different plastics and a thin layer of aluminium. |
| Recycling process | The different components of a toothpaste tube need to be separated and processed separately. |
| Recyclable toothpaste tubes | Colgate has launched a recyclable toothpaste tube made of high-density polyethylene plastic (#2) or HDPE. |
| Other brands | Tom's of Maine was the first brand within Colgate to launch a recyclable toothpaste tube. Other brands are also transitioning to recyclable tubes. |
| Recycling rate | The recycling rate of HDPE tubes is likely low, and it is not guaranteed that they will be recycled even if accepted by recycling facilities. |
| Recycling instructions | Consumers should check with their local community facilities and confirm if they accept HDPE plastic and toothpaste tubes before placing them in their bins for recycling. |
| Other options | Consumers can consider buying a recyclable product, recycling their toothpaste tubes through TerraCycle, or upcycling them for fun projects. |
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What You'll Learn
- Toothpaste tubes are often made with a combination of different plastics and a thin layer of aluminium, making them hard to recycle
- Colgate has launched a recyclable toothpaste tube with Recycle Me! packaging
- Toothpaste tubes can be recycled through upcycling, or by buying a recyclable product
- Toothpaste tubes can be recycled by shredding the material, exposing the surface area with residuals, and then passing it through a washing cycle
- The Association of Plastic Recyclers has recognised the technical recyclability of Colgate's tubes
Toothpaste tubes are often made with a combination of different plastics and a thin layer of aluminium, making them hard to recycle
Toothpaste tubes are notoriously difficult to recycle, and this is largely due to their composition. Most toothpaste tubes are made from a combination of different plastics and a thin layer of aluminium. This mix of materials makes them hard to recycle using conventional methods.
The different types of plastic and aluminium must be separated and processed separately, which is a tricky job for recyclers. The thin layer of aluminium in particular is what allows the tubes to hold their shape when folded or rolled. However, separating the aluminium from the plastic is difficult and makes recycling the tubes challenging. This is why many toothpaste tubes end up in landfills.
In recent years, some toothpaste brands have started to transition to recyclable tubes. For example, in 2022, Colgate launched a pilot program for a recyclable toothpaste tube in partnership with other companies and recycling stakeholders. This tube is made primarily from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, which is widely recycled and used in laundry detergent containers and milk jugs. However, despite these efforts, there are still limited facilities that accept toothpaste tubes for recycling, and the recycling rate of these tubes is believed to be low.
To recycle toothpaste tubes, consumers should check with their local recycling provider to see if they accept HDPE plastic and toothpaste tubes. If not, there are other options such as recycling through TerraCycle or upcycling projects. It is important to properly dispose of toothpaste tubes to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Colgate has launched a recyclable toothpaste tube with Recycle Me! packaging
Plastic toothpaste tubes are notoriously hard to recycle due to the mix of materials used to make them. They are often made with a combination of different plastics and a thin layer of aluminium, which is what gives the tube its ability to fold and stay in place. However, this mix of materials makes them difficult to separate into useful components, and so they often end up in landfills.
In 2022, Colgate launched a recyclable toothpaste tube with "Recycle Me!" packaging in the US. The tube is made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), the same No. 2 plastic used for milk and detergent bottles. This plastic is widely recycled and has a strong recycling stream. By using only one type of plastic, the tube is technically recyclable. However, the reality is that many recovery facilities in the US do not accept toothpaste tubes for recycling, and so they may still end up in landfills.
To address this issue, Colgate has partnered with TerraCycle to create a free national recycling program. Consumers can send their oral care product packaging waste to TerraCycle, who will recycle it. There are also public drop-off locations for this program, which can be found using an interactive map on the TerraCycle website.
Colgate has also been working to share its recyclable tube know-how with other companies, including competitors, to promote the transition to recyclable tubes across the industry. The company has committed to switching to recyclable HDPE toothpaste tubes by 2025 and hopes to lead the way in waste reduction and making toothpaste tubes a part of the circular economy.
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Toothpaste tubes can be recycled through upcycling, or by buying a recyclable product
Toothpaste tubes are often made from a combination of different plastics and a thin layer of aluminium. This mix of materials makes them hard to recycle, and they are unlikely to be accepted by your local recycling programme. However, there are still ways to recycle your toothpaste tubes through upcycling or switching to a recyclable product.
Upcycling Toothpaste Tubes
Upcycling is a fun and practical way to recycle toothpaste tubes. You can cut open empty toothpaste tubes and turn them into a crayon or toothbrush holder. You can also make toothpaste tube flowers or other creative crafts.
Buying a Recyclable Product
Some toothpaste brands, such as Colgate, have started transitioning to recyclable toothpaste tubes made of high-density polyethylene plastic (#2 HDPE). These tubes are the same material as milk and detergent bottles and can be recycled alongside them with no extra steps. Keep an eye out for recycling instructions on toothpaste tubes and check with your local recycler to confirm they can process #2 plastic toothpaste tubes.
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Toothpaste tubes can be recycled by shredding the material, exposing the surface area with residuals, and then passing it through a washing cycle
Toothpaste tubes can be recycled, but the process is complex due to the mix of materials used in their construction. Most toothpaste tubes are made from a combination of different plastics and a thin layer of aluminium, which makes the tubes flexible and able to hold their shape. This mix of materials makes them challenging to recycle through conventional methods, and they are often not accepted by curbside recycling programmes.
To recycle toothpaste tubes, the material must be shredded to increase the surface area exposed to residual toothpaste. The shredding process is a critical step in effectively removing the sticky residue left inside the tubes. Once shredded, the material passes through a washing cycle, where the pieces are cleaned with water or a simple biocide solution to dissolve any remaining bio-based material. This process ensures that the recycled material is free from contamination.
Some toothpaste brands, such as Colgate and Tom's of Maine, have introduced recyclable toothpaste tubes made primarily from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or No. 2 plastic. These tubes are recognised for their "technical recyclability" by the Association of Plastic Recyclers, an international nonprofit organisation. However, the acceptance of these tubes at recycling facilities is still limited, and consumers must check with their local community programmes to confirm if they can be processed.
To determine if a toothpaste tube can be recycled, individuals should check for the #2 (HDPE) recycling code on the packaging. If present, they can confirm with their local recycler if they are equipped to handle this type of plastic. While recycling toothpaste tubes is possible, it is important to note that the recycling rate for these tubes is likely low, and there are only a few communities in the United States that currently accept them.
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The Association of Plastic Recyclers has recognised the technical recyclability of Colgate's tubes
Plastic toothpaste tubes are notoriously difficult to recycle due to the mix of materials used to make them. Most toothpaste tubes are made from sheets of plastic laminate, usually a combination of different plastics, sandwiched around a thin layer of aluminium. This aluminium layer helps the tube stay in place when rolled or folded. However, the mix of materials makes it challenging to separate the components into something useful, and they cannot be recycled through conventional methods.
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has recognised the technical recyclability of Colgate's new toothpaste tube design. Colgate has developed a tube made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), the widely recycled "No. 2" plastic often used for making bottles. The HDPE tube is the first oral care or personal care tube to earn APR recognition for recyclability. Colgate's tube was recognised by the APR as an important step in bringing the product to the public and setting a new standard in the industry.
To achieve APR recognition, Colgate had to prove that its toothpaste tube could be properly sorted with plastic bottles at Materials Recovery Facilities. Radio Frequency Identification tags were used to track the tubes and show they could navigate the screens and conveyor belts at these facilities. Additionally, Colgate demonstrated that the tube material could be repurposed after recycling, grinding the tubes to make new plastic bottles.
While the new Colgate tube is a step in the right direction, it's important to note that the recycling rate of these tubes is likely low. There are few communities in the United States that currently accept toothpaste tubes for recycling, and even if they are accepted, there is no guarantee they will be recycled. Furthermore, experts highlight a disconnect between what is recyclable in theory and what is actually recycled in practice. This disconnect is exemplified by a complaint filed against Colgate to the Federal Trade Commission, alleging that the company's claim that the tubes are recyclable is misleading due to many recovery facilities in the United States not accepting them.
To address this issue, Colgate is working to build awareness and support among other recycling stakeholders, such as Materials Recovery Facilities, Reclaimers, and municipalities that operate recycling programs. The company also intends to offer its technology to other makers of plastic tubes to increase the long-term market viability of this solution.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it depends on the type of plastic. Most toothpaste tubes are made from a combination of different plastics and a thin layer of aluminium, which makes them hard to recycle. However, some brands like Tom's of Maine and Colgate have started transitioning to recyclable #2 plastic (HDPE) tubes.
First, check if your local recycling program accepts toothpaste tubes. If they do, separate the tube's plastic and aluminium components, shred the material, and then wash the pieces with water or a simple biocide. Finally, put the tube in your recycling bin.
Yes, you can recycle your toothpaste tubes through third-party services like TerraCycle.
Some alternatives to plastic toothpaste tubes include glass jars, paper tubes, and metal tubes.
One challenge is that many recovery facilities in the United States do not accept toothpaste tubes, even if they are made of recyclable plastic. This means that in practice, these tubes may not be recycled and may end up in landfills.
