How to Recycle Toothpaste Tubes Responsibly

A turquoise toothpaste tube.

Toothpaste tubes are typically made of plastic and aluminum, both of which are recyclable materials. However, they may contain leftover toothpaste residue, which can contaminate the recycling process. Therefore, it's important to clean the tubes thoroughly before recycling.

To recycle a toothpaste tube:

  1. Squeeze out as much toothpaste as possible.
  2. Rinse the tube with water to remove any remaining residue.
  3. Check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept toothpaste tubes.
  4. If they do, place the tubes in your recycling bin.

If your local recycling facility does not accept toothpaste tubes, you can try a mail-in recycling program. Some companies offer recycling services specifically for toothpaste tubes and other oral care products. Look for these programs online and follow their instructions for mailing in your used tubes.

If the toothpaste tube is still in good condition, you can consider reusing it for other purposes. For example, you can use it as a small storage container for travel-sized toiletries or as a craft organizer.