Plastics
Shampoo & detergent bottles
shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, HDPE bottles, milk jugs, plastic bottles
Can you recycle?
Widely
Yes — rigid HDPE bottles like shampoo and detergent are widely recycled. Empty and rinse them, put the cap back on, and recycle curbside.
How to prepare
1. Empty the bottle and give it a quick rinse. 2. Put the cap back on so it's captured at sorting. 3. Leave the label on — it's removed in processing. 4. Place the bottle in your curbside recycling.
Common mistakes
Leaving product inside, which contaminates recycling. Removing and binning the caps. Including pump-spray tops, which often have a metal spring and may need separating.
What happens after you recycle it?
Recycled HDPE bottles become new bottles, pipes, plastic lumber, and outdoor furniture.
Drop-off guidance
Almost all curbside programs accept rigid HDPE bottles, so a drop-off usually isn't needed. Recycling centers take larger amounts of mixed rigid plastics.
FAQs
Can I recycle shampoo and detergent bottles?
Yes. Rigid HDPE bottles are widely recycled — empty and rinse them, replace the cap, and use your curbside bin.
Where can I recycle shampoo and detergent bottles near me?
Use the lookup above. Nearly all home collections accept rigid plastic bottles.
Is it free to recycle shampoo and detergent bottles?
Yes. Curbside recycling is free to use.
Can I get paid to recycle shampoo and detergent bottles?
No. These bottles don't carry a deposit, but recycling them is free.
