Can you recycle toothpaste tubes? IVORI’s sorting guide

Some empty toothpaste tubes can be recycled, but acceptance depends on your local collection service and the packaging type. The Recycle Now toothpaste tube guide gives examples of collection options. Check your local waste authority or recycling provider for the route that applies to your address before choosing a bin.

1. Separate the cardboard box from the tube

If your toothpaste came in an outer cardboard box, check that separately from the tube and cap. Recycle Now includes flattened toothpaste boxes in its bathroom recycling guidance. Follow your local cardboard collection instructions for where to put yours.

Keep the tube and cap together while you look up their instructions. A recyclable box does not establish which collection accepts the packaging inside it.

2. Look up “toothpaste tubes” locally

Search your local waste authority's recycling guide or a collection locator that covers your address for the exact item. Check both whether tubes are accepted and which bin, sack or collection point to use.

The difference between local services matters. Worcestershire County Council’s guidance accepts plastic or metal toothpaste tubes in the green recycling bin. Dundee City Council’s guidance excludes tubes from its household recycling bin, points to selected Boots stores and gives its non-recyclable waste bin as the disposal route.

Use the instructions that apply where you live. A plastic code or recycling symbol alone is not confirmation that your local service accepts the tube.

3. Follow that service’s preparation instructions

Check what your chosen service says about emptying, rinsing and the cap. For example, Worcestershire’s tube guidance asks residents to squeeze out remaining toothpaste, rinse if possible and replace the cap to keep residue off surrounding recycling.

That is a local instruction. For another council or a drop-off scheme, read its own preparation requirements before removing the cap or changing the tube.

4. Check a drop-off point before making the trip

If tubes are excluded from your home collection, check your local recycling provider for a drop-off or take-back service that accepts them. Confirm that the specific location accepts toothpaste tubes and read the scheme’s accepted-item list. A retailer’s participation can vary by branch.

Once you have confirmed the routes, keep a small collection spot for the bathroom items your service accepts. Your quick sorting check is simple: cardboard box in its confirmed collection, tube and cap prepared for their confirmed route, and any drop-off location checked before you leave.

For a powered brush, use the separate electrical-recycling guide.