Can You Recycle Plastic Bottles?
Yes
Yes — empty, and leave caps on
Why
Bottles made of PET (#1) and HDPE (#2) are the most in-demand plastics. Every curbside program accepts them.
How to dispose of plastic bottles
- Empty and give a quick rinse
- Leave caps screwed on — modern facilities want them attached
- Labels can stay on
- Crushing is fine and saves bin space
Greener option
A reusable water bottle pays for itself within weeks.
♻️ Recycling rules vary by city and hauler — when in doubt, check your local program. You can look up your area on our trash & recycling schedules page.