Alexei Volkov
Plastic tubes, such as those used for toothpaste, hand cream, and lotions, are often made of multiple materials laminated together, including different types of plastic and aluminum. This makes them difficult to recycle, and they are usually not accepted by local authorities as part of standard recycling collection schemes. However, some companies like Colgate and Terracyle offer recycling options for oral care products, including toothpaste tubes and caps, toothbrushes, and floss containers. These programs are typically free and involve sending your used items to their facilities for processing. Additionally, it's worth checking with your local recycler to see if they process plastic tubes, as some may have the capability to do so. It's important to separate different types of plastics and remove any remaining product before dropping off or sending your items for recycling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic tubes for hand cream, lotions, and toothpaste | May be recyclable depending on the local authority and the type of plastic |
| Toothpaste tubes | May be recyclable through programs by Colgate and Terracycle |
| Pump-action toothpaste tubes | May be recyclable if the local authority collects plastic pots, tubs, and trays |
| Small plastic tubes (40 x 40mm) | Unlikely to be recycled due to size |
| Plastic tubes containing DIY products | Not recyclable due to the risk of contaminating the recycling process |
| Plastic squeeze tubes | On a journey to recyclability, with ongoing work to make them compatible with recycling streams |
| Local programs | Check local programs to confirm what is recyclable in your area |
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What You'll Learn
Toothpaste tubes are often not recycled due to mixed materials
Toothpaste tubes are often made from a combination of different plastics and a thin layer of aluminum. This mix of materials makes them hard to recycle, and it is unlikely that they are accepted through your local recycling pickup. For example, in the UK, Recycle Now, England's national recycling program, states that "it is unusual for councils to collect them as part of your recycling collection scheme."
The difficulty in recycling toothpaste tubes lies in the fact that they are made of multiple materials laminated together. The different types of plastic and aluminum are almost impossible to separate, making it a tricky job for recyclers. As a result, many toothpaste tubes end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste.
However, some organizations are committed to making a difference. For instance, Colgate has partnered with TerraCycle to offer a free recycling program for oral care products. This program accepts all brands of used or empty toothpaste tubes, caps, toothbrushes, toothpaste cartons, toothbrush outer packaging, and floss containers. You can either ship these items to TerraCycle or drop them off at public locations, such as stores, community centers, places of worship, or libraries.
Additionally, in 2019, Colgate started transitioning to toothpaste tubes made of recyclable #2 plastic (HDPE), and other brands are following suit. If you have access to this type of toothpaste tube, check with your local recycler to confirm if they can process it. While recycling options for oral care products are still limited, these initiatives represent a positive step towards reducing waste and encouraging eco-friendly practices.
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Local authorities may collect plastic tubes with pots, tubs, and trays
Plastic tubes, such as those used for hand cream and lotions, are often made from plastics that can be recycled. Local authorities may collect plastic tubes with pots, tubs, and trays. However, it is important to note that there are some exceptions to this. For example, toothpaste tubes are often made of different types of plastics and may contain a metal layer, making them non-recyclable in most cases. Small plastic tubes that are less than 40 x 40mm are also unlikely to be recycled as they can fall out of the recycling process. Tubes that have contained DIY products like mastic should be avoided as the residue can contaminate the recycling process.
If your local authority does not collect plastic tubes, there are other options available. Some companies, such as Colgate and Terracyle, offer recycling options for toothpaste tubes. These programs are usually free to participate in and involve sending your used toothpaste tubes to a central location for recycling. Public drop-off locations are often available in easily accessible areas such as stores, community centers, places of worship, and libraries.
Additionally, some local recyclers may process toothpaste tubes, so it is worth calling them to find out. If you are committed to recycling your toothpaste tubes, you can also consider cutting and scraping them after use and sending them to a recycling organization like Terracyle, which has partnered with Colgate-Palmolive to recycle toothpaste tubes and other oral care products.
It is important to always check with your local programs to confirm what is recyclable in your area, as the recyclability of plastic tubes can vary depending on your location. Some areas may have specific drop-off points or recycling streams for plastic tubes that can be utilized. By staying informed and proactive, we can all contribute to a more sustainable planet.
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Colgate offers free recycling for oral care products
Plastic tubes, including those used for toothpaste, are often made of different types of plastics and may even contain a metal layer. This means that they are not always recyclable, and it is unusual for councils to collect them as part of a recycling collection scheme. However, there are some recycling options available for oral care products, such as those offered by Colgate and Terracycle.
Colgate has sponsored a free recycling program in collaboration with TerraCycle, which accepts used or empty toothpaste tubes and caps, toothbrushes, toothpaste cartons, toothbrush outer packaging, and floss containers from all brands. The program is easy to use and free of cost. Individuals can either ship their used oral care products to TerraCycle or drop them off at a public drop-off location.
To ship the products to TerraCycle, one must download a free shipping label from the TerraCycle website and attach it to a box containing the used oral care products. The box can then be shipped to TerraCycle, who will recycle the products at no cost to the user.
To drop off the products, one can use an interactive map on the TerraCycle website to find nearby public drop-off locations. These drop-off points are managed by volunteer administrators who choose the location, hours, and accepted waste streams. It is important to note that UPS and public drop-off locations will not accept dripping packages, so items should be dried before shipping or dropping off.
Once collected, the oral care products and packaging are cleaned and separated by material type. The materials are then recycled into raw formats that manufacturers can use to create new products, helping to reduce the consumption of natural resources and save energy.
In addition to the Colgate-TerraCycle program, there may be other local recycling options for oral care products. For example, local grocery stores may accept used toothbrushes through their own programs, and local recycling centers may accept certain types of plastic tubes if they collect pots, tubs, and trays.
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Plastic tubes under 40 x 40mm are too small to be recycled
Plastic tubes, such as those used for hand cream and lotions, are often made from recyclable plastics. If your local authority collects pots, tubs, and trays, you can usually recycle these plastic tubes. However, there are a few exceptions to this. Firstly, let's focus on the plastic tubes that are smaller than 40 x 40mm.
Plastic tubes under 40 x 40mm are often considered too small to be recycled. These tiny tubes can easily fall out of the recycling process, and as a result, recycling centers often choose not to accept them. So, what can you do with these small plastic tubes? Unfortunately, the best option may be to dispose of them in your regular waste bin. While it's important to minimize waste and recycle as much as possible, there are some items that are simply too small or too difficult for the standard recycling process.
Toothpaste tubes are another type of plastic tube that can be tricky to recycle. Many of these tubes are made from multiple types of plastics and may even contain a metal layer. Traditional recycling programs often don't accept toothpaste tubes due to the mix of materials. However, there are some alternative options available. For example, companies like Colgate and Terracycle offer recycling programs specifically for oral care products, including toothpaste tubes and caps. These programs are typically free to use and can be found through a simple online search.
Additionally, pump-action toothpaste tubes are generally easier to recycle than traditional tubes. If your local authority collects plastic pots, tubs, and trays, you can usually include these pump-action tubes in your recycling. It's always a good idea to check with your local recycler to find out their specific guidelines and requirements. Some recyclers may have different processes or capabilities that allow them to accept a broader range of materials.
Lastly, it's important to note that some plastic tubes should never be placed in your recycling bin. For example, tubes that have contained DIY products like mastic can be damaging and contaminate the recycling process. Always check the label and dispose of these tubes in your regular waste bin to avoid causing harm to the recycling process or recycling equipment.
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DIY product tubes should be placed in the waste bin
Plastic tubes are increasingly being made from recyclable materials. However, it is important to know which plastic tubes can be recycled and which should be placed in the waste bin.
Toothpaste tubes, for example, are often made from multiple types of plastics and may also contain a metal layer. This means that they are not usually recyclable and should be placed in the waste bin unless a specific recycling option is offered, such as those provided by Colgate and Terracyle. These companies allow you to send in your used toothpaste tubes and caps, toothbrushes, toothpaste cartons, and floss containers for recycling.
Small plastic tubes that are less than 40 x 40mm are also unlikely to be recycled as they will fall out of the recycling process.
Tubes that have contained DIY products, such as mastic, should be placed in the waste bin. This is because the residue from these products can be damaging and contaminate the recycling process.
It is always important to check with your local recycling programs to confirm what can be recycled in your area. Some local authorities collect plastic pots, tubs, and trays, and if they do, you can generally include plastic tubes that do not fall into the above categories.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic tubes, like those used for hand cream and lotions, are often made from plastics that can be recycled. If your local authority collects pots, tubs, and trays, you can usually include these tubes in your recycling. However, it is recommended that you check with your local recycler to confirm if they process plastic tubes.
Toothpaste tubes are often made from multiple materials, such as plastic and aluminum, which are difficult to separate and recycle. Some local authorities do not accept toothpaste tubes for recycling. However, companies like Colgate and Terracyle offer recycling options for oral care products and packaging.
Once collected, the toothpaste tubes are cleaned and separated by material type. They are then sent to a reprocessor, who turns the plastic into small pellets, which can be used to create new products and packaging.
