Are Water Bottles Recyclable?

Water bottles are among the most successfully recyclable plastic items in the United States, with a recycling rate of approximately 30% for PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles. PET plastic, identified by the #1 recycling symbol, is highly valued by recycling facilities because it can be transformed into new bottles, clothing fibers, carpeting, and other products. The clear, lightweight nature of most water bottles makes them ideal for optical sorting machines at recycling facilities. PET has a high melting point and maintains structural integrity during the recycling process, allowing it to be recycled multiple times while retaining quality. The recycling process for water bottles is well-established and economically viable, with strong market demand for recycled PET (rPET). Major beverage companies have committed to using increasing percentages of recycled content in their bottles, creating a circular economy that drives demand for recycled water bottles. Additionally, the uniform shape and size of most water bottles makes them easy to process through automated sorting equipment at material recovery facilities.

Proper recycling of water bottles requires several important steps to ensure they are processed correctly at recycling facilities. First, completely empty the bottle of all liquid – even small amounts can contaminate recycling equipment and other materials. Rinse the bottle with water to remove any residual beverage, soap residue, or other contaminants that could interfere with the recycling process. Remove the label if it peels off easily, though most modern recycling facilities can handle labels during processing. The cap situation varies by location: some facilities prefer caps removed because they are made from different plastic types (typically polypropylene), while newer facilities can separate caps during processing, so check your local guidelines. Place the bottle in your curbside recycling bin alongside other plastics. Never crush the bottle lengthwise as this can interfere with optical sorting equipment – if you need to save space, crushing widthwise is acceptable. Avoid putting extremely small water bottles (under 2 inches) in recycling as they may fall through sorting screens.

Put in curbside recycling bin with other #1 plastics.

• Reusable stainless steel water bottles
• Glass water bottles with protective sleeves
• Water filtration systems (pitcher, faucet, or whole-house)
• Refillable water stations and dispensers
• Insulated reusable bottles for temperature control