Laundry is a major part of our daily lives, and with it comes a lot of detergent. This detergent is typically packaged in a plastic jug, which often ends up in the landfill. Tossing this chunk of plastic into your everyday trash doesn’t feel great, but whether these bottles are recyclable can be unclear.
Find out if laundry detergent bottles can be recycled, and explore some alternatives.
Steps to Recycle Laundry Detergent Bottles
Empty and Rinse the Bottle
Before recycling your laundry detergent bottle, you must ensure it is completely liquid-free. Give the bottle a couple of thorough rinses to remove any residue. This step is essential as it prevents contamination while recycling and ensures the bottle can be repurposed effectively.
Check the Label
Not all bottles can be handled the same way. Some bottles feature labels with helpful information regarding their recyclability. Look for recycling symbols, or arrows forming a triangle with a number in the middle. Most detergent bottles have a 1 for PET or 2 for HDPE, both of which are commonly accepted materials at recycling centers.
Remove the Cap
The cap is often made of a material different from the rest of the bottle and has its own recycling code. It’s best to remove the cap or pump dispenser before recycling to ensure each part goes to the appropriate recycling facility.
Inquire with Your Local Recycling Center
Contact your local recycling center to ensure they accept the detergent bottles and caps you’re disposing of. This will ensure you practice proper recycling and save you a trip to the wrong facility.
Avoid the Plastic Jug
After recycling your detergent bottles, consider switching to an alternative cleaning agent to eliminate the uncertainty around plastic jugs. Several detergents are packaged in more sustainable materials that can help avoid plastic waste.
Freddie laundry detergent sheets are packaged in recyclable cardboard, which is widely accepted at recycling centers and can break down more readily under typical recycling processes compared to rigid plastic packaging.
Alternative Uses for Laundry Detergent Bottles
If your local recycling center cannot accept your plastic jugs, you’ll need to find an alternative. Upcycling your detergent bottles into something useful is an effective way of keeping them out of the landfill.
DIY Weights
Laundry detergent bottles make the perfect mold for DIY weights. Fill the containers with sand, rice, beans, or other fine grains until you reach the desired weight. The bottle’s built-in handle provides the perfect grip for your DIY home gym equipment.
Watering Cans
Detergent bottles can be used for the perfect makeshift watering can. Poke several holes into the cap, fill the bottle with water, screw on the cap, and water your garden.
Planter
Plastic jugs can be used to water plants, but they can also be used to house them. Cut the bottom off the bottle, flip it, and fill it with soil to create a new home for your greenery.
Storage Containers
Detergent bottles could be the perfect container to store commonly lost items. Simply cut the top section off and throw in your loose nails, screws, or other fasteners. Then, label the handle and slide it onto your storage shelf.
Pet Scoop
Laundry detergent bottles can be the ideal scoop for your pet’s food, especially if the alternative is pouring a heavy bag. Simply cut the top off and start scooping. Alternatively, use the scoop for your kitty’s litter and avoid buying a new one. Ensure the bottle is thoroughly cleaned to avoid any detergent residue in your pet’s food or litter.
Funnel
Funnels are always useful to have handy, and laundry detergent bottles are the perfect shape for one. Cut the bottom part off and turn it upside down for a simple funnel.
Beach Shovel
Save your detergent bottle for a fun day at the beach. Simply cut off the bottom, and it will act as a perfect scoop for sand - perfect if you have kids. Just be sure to bring the bottle home again so it doesn’t end up in the ocean.
Toy Cars
Not all DIY projects have to be purely functional; some can be fun. Your old laundry detergent bottles can be turned into toy cars. Lay the bottle with the handle side upwards. Drill holes on each side to slide in a wooden dowel, then attach crafty wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get Rid of Laundry Detergent Bottles?
To dispose of laundry detergent bottles, send them to your local recycling facility. Check the label and look for the recycling code. This symbol highlights the type of plastic the bottle is made of and helps to find the ideal recycling center. Thoroughly clean out the bottle before disposal.
Do I Need to Remove Labels From Detergent Bottles Before Recycling?
Removing the labels from detergent bottles is not typically required by recycling facilities. However, doing so can reduce the chance of contaminants during the recycling process. Contact your local recycling center for guidance on whether or not the label should be removed..
Why Do I Need to Remove Caps From Detergent Bottles?
Caps are often made of a material different from the rest of the bottle. Because of this, they must be separated before recycling. Check the recycling code on the cap to see if they can be sent to the same facility as the bottle.
Cardboard Alternatives Support Recycling
Traditional laundry detergent comes in bottles that can be a hassle to recycle responsibly. It’s not always clear whether they can be recycled, and despite best efforts, these bottles often end up in landfills, where improper disposal of plastics can pose environmental challenges.
Ditch the plastic jug altogether with Freddie laundry detergent sheets. Our alternative to traditional detergent is packaged in recyclable cardboard for simple disposal after use, and contains ingredients selected to avoid certain additives commonly found in some traditional detergents.
