Can you recycle plastic bottle caps?
It depends on your area
Whether you can recycle plastic bottle caps depends on your local program. Here’s how to tell and what to do.
| Goes in | Curbside (left on the bottle) |
|---|---|
| Category | 🥤 Plastics |
| Verdict | Depends |
How to prepare plastic bottle caps
Leave caps on empty, rinsed bottles rather than tossing them in loose.
Quick checklist before you bin it
- Leave caps on empty, rinsed bottles rather than tossing them in loose.
- Confirm acceptance on your city or hauler’s recycling list — rules vary.
- Can’t recycle it locally? If your program says caps-off, save them for a store cap-collection bin.
Why?
Loose caps are too small and slip through sorting screens, but a cap left on its bottle is captured with it.
Better option
If your program says caps-off, save them for a store cap-collection bin.
FAQ: Plastic bottle caps
Can I put plastic bottle caps in the curbside recycling bin?
Whether you can recycle plastic bottle caps depends on your local program. Here’s how to tell and what to do.
How should I dispose of plastic bottle caps?
Curbside (left on the bottle). Leave caps on empty, rinsed bottles rather than tossing them in loose.
Why isn’t plastic bottle caps recyclable?
Loose caps are too small and slip through sorting screens, but a cap left on its bottle is captured with it.
What can I do with plastic bottle caps instead?
If your program says caps-off, save them for a store cap-collection bin.