Should I remove the label from PET bottles?

Only remove labels if they peel off easily. Most recycling facilities can handle labels during processing, and forcing them off may damage the bottle.

Can I recycle PET bottles with caps on?

This varies by location. Many facilities now accept caps-on because caps and bottles are both recyclable. Check with your local recycling program for their specific requirements.

What happens to PET bottles after recycling?

PET bottles are cleaned, shredded into flakes, melted, and reformed into new products. About 31% become new bottles, while others become clothing, carpets, or fiberfill.

Why is it important to keep PET bottles dry?

Wet bottles can develop mold during storage and transportation, contaminating other recyclables and making entire loads unsuitable for recycling.

What's the most common contamination mistake with PET bottles?

Leaving liquid inside bottles is the biggest contamination issue. Even a small amount of liquid can ruin entire bales of recyclables during processing, making thousands of bottles non-recyclable.

Can I recycle PET bottles that contained household cleaners?

No, only food and beverage PET bottles should be recycled. Bottles that contained cleaners, chemicals, or motor oil cannot be recycled due to contamination concerns.

What's bottle-to-bottle recycling and why does it matter?

Bottle-to-bottle recycling means old PET bottles become new PET bottles, creating a closed loop. This is the highest-value form of PET recycling, keeping plastic in the food-grade supply chain rather than downcycling into clothing or carpets.

Plastic recycling

How to Recycle PET Bottles (#1)

Clear plastic bottles used for water, soda, and other beverages. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is one of the most successfully recycled plastics, with excellent bottle-to-bottle recycling capabilities.

Recyclable#1 PETUpdated Jun 2026

Quick answer

Yes, PET (#1) bottles are among the most widely recycled plastics. Empty and rinse them, leave the cap on (modern recyclers handle it), and recycle curbside; in the 10 deposit states they're worth 5–10¢ each at redemption.

Recyclable: Yes
Recycling code: #1 PET

How to Prepare

1Empty completely - even small amounts of liquid can contaminate entire bales
2Rinse quickly with water if sticky or sugary residue remains
3Remove caps and lids (check local guidelines - many now accept caps on)

How to Recycle PET Bottles (#1)

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