How to Recycle Shampoo and Conditioner Bottles (and Reduce Plastic Waste at Home)

We all use shampoo and conditioner daily, but what happens to those plastic bottles afterward? Many end up in landfills or oceans. This guide breaks down how to properly recycle, clean, and reuse them—and explores eco-friendly alternatives to help you make your haircare routine truly sustainable.

To recycle shampoo and conditioner bottles, first empty and rinse them thoroughly. Remove pumps or sprayers, as they often contain mixed materials that aren’t recyclable. Check the recycling symbol—most #1 (PET) and #2 (HDPE) bottles are accepted curbside. If uncertain, drop them off at local recycling centers or brand take-back programs like TerraCycle. For sustainability, consider refillable options or bar shampoos.

Now that you know the basics, let’s explore the right way to recycle, repurpose, and rethink your bathroom plastic habits for a cleaner planet and a smarter home routine.

Can Shampoo and Conditioner Bottles Be Recycled?

The good news is that most shampoo and conditioner bottles can be recycled—if handled correctly. The majority are made from two types of recyclable plastic:

• #1 (PET or PETE): Commonly used for transparent bottles.
• #2 (HDPE): Used for opaque or colored bottles.

Before placing them in your recycling bin:

1. Check the symbol on the bottom of the bottle. If it shows #1 or #2, it’s recyclable in most local programs.
2. Rinse the inside to remove leftover shampoo or conditioner residue.
3. Remove the pump or cap if it’s made of mixed materials (metal springs or rubber).

These steps reduce contamination in recycling streams and ensure the plastic is properly processed. According to Recycle Now, bathroom recyclables often get overlooked because people don’t keep bins nearby. Simply adding a small bathroom recycling bin can make a big difference.

Why Some Bottles Aren’t Accepted

Not all bottles are recyclable. Some brands use multi-layer plastics or colored plastics that are difficult to separate. If you’re unsure, check your local recycling center’s list or search on Earth911.com to find accepted materials.

Do You Have to Empty Shampoo Bottles Before Recycling?

Absolutely! This step is more important than most people realize. Bottles with leftover product contaminate the recycling batch, potentially causing entire loads to be sent to the landfill.

Here’s a simple cleaning process:

1. Use up every drop. Cut the bottle open if needed and scrape out leftover product with a spatula.
2. Rinse with warm water. A quick rinse removes residues that can interfere with recycling machines.
3. Air-dry. Leave bottles upside-down for a few hours before recycling.

According to the North London Waste Authority, cleaning is essential because unwashed containers attract pests, cause odors, and damage recycling equipment.

If you’re unsure about whether the pumps are recyclable:

• Plastic pumps often contain metal springs and can’t go in your curbside bin.
• You can collect them and send them to specialty programs like Pact Collective or TerraCycle.

How to Dispose of Old Shampoo and Conditioner Bottles Responsibly

When you finish a bottle, you have three eco-friendly options:

1. Recycle It Curbside

Most local recycling programs accept clean, dry shampoo and conditioner bottles marked #1 or #2.

✅ Tip: Don’t crush bottles — it makes sorting harder for machines.

2. Use a Take-Back Program

Many major brands have teamed up with organizations to recycle their packaging responsibly:

• Pantene x TerraCycle: Free mail-in program for haircare packaging.
• Garnier Green Beauty Program: Accepts shampoo, conditioner, and skincare containers.
• Amika x Pact Collective: Collects empties at participating salons or stores.
• L’Occitane Recycling Program: In-store drop-off for any brand’s empty beauty containers.

These programs ensure that even complex materials (like pumps, caps, and multilayer packaging) are properly handled.

3. Donate or Reuse

If you have half-used bottles, consider donating them to shelters or community centers—just ensure the packaging is clean and sealed. Some refilleries also accept containers for reuse.

What Can I Do with Old Shampoo Bottles? (Creative Reuse Ideas)

Recycling isn’t the only option. Upcycling turns waste into something functional or artistic. Before tossing that bottle, try one of these creative reuse ideas:

1. DIY Planters: Cut the top off, paint it, and use it as a small herb or succulent pot.
2. Bathroom Organizers: Store brushes, razors, or makeup brushes inside neatly cut bottles.
3. Kids’ Crafts: Use colorful bottles for art projects or toy storage.
4. Desk Accessories: Turn bottles into pen holders or cable organizers.
5. Watering Cans: Poke small holes in the cap for a gentle water flow.
6. Phone Charging Station: Cut and decorate to create a wall-mounted holder for your phone.

Upcycling reduces waste and encourages creativity while giving bottles a second life. Head & Shoulders even features step-by-step guides for reusing bathroom plastics at home.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Plastic Shampoo Bottles

While recycling helps, reducing plastic use is even better. The haircare industry is rapidly evolving toward sustainable packaging. Here are some eco-friendly alternatives to explore:

1. Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

Solid bars are plastic-free, travel-friendly, and long-lasting. Brands like Ethique, HiBAR, and Lush lead the trend.

→ Bonus: They use compostable paper or cardboard packaging.

2. Refillable Aluminum Bottles

Brands such as Plaine Products and The Refill Shoppe offer stainless steel or aluminum containers you can refill repeatedly.

3. Recycling Partnerships

Companies like Eva NYC and Amika use recycled materials and offer take-back programs. This circular approach keeps packaging in use longer.

4. Bulk Refill Stations

Zero-waste stores often provide refill options—bring your own bottle and fill up on shampoo, conditioner, or body wash.

5. Glass or Bioplastic Bottles

Some brands are experimenting with plant-based bioplastics or glass containers to reduce petroleum-based plastic dependency.

Choosing these alternatives not only cuts down plastic waste but also supports brands that prioritize sustainability.

How to Set Up a Bathroom Recycling Bin

One of the biggest reasons bathroom recyclables are missed is inconvenience. People rarely carry empty bottles to the kitchen bin. The solution? Create a dedicated recycling bin in your bathroom.

Here’s how:

1. Choose a small container or basket that fits under the sink or next to your trash bin.
2. Label it clearly (“Recyclables Only”).
3. Educate your household — remind everyone to rinse and place recyclable items inside.
4. Empty it weekly into your main recycling bin.

Keeping recyclables separate makes sorting easy and reduces landfill waste. If you have space, create two bins: one for recyclables and one for non-recyclables like pumps or aerosols.

How to Recycle Cosmetic and Supplement Containers Together

Many cosmetic and supplement bottles share the same plastic materials as shampoo containers.

• Here’s how to handle them:Check labels: Look for the same #1 or #2 symbols.
• Remove lids or droppers: These often contain mixed materials.
• Group by type: PET plastics go together; HDPE bottles go together.
• Drop off at beauty recycling points (like Sephora’s in-store programs).

Combining efforts—cosmetic and personal care—makes your recycling routine more efficient and impactful.

Where to Recycle Shampoo and Conditioner Bottles Near Me

If you’re unsure whether your area accepts bathroom plastics, try these resources:

• Earth911 Recycling Locator: Find local drop-off points by ZIP code.
• Recycle Now (UK): Learn what’s accepted in your local council.
• TerraCycle Drop-off Points: Search “hair care” to locate free programs near you.
• Zero-Waste Stores: Many have collection bins for hard-to-recycle packaging.

You can also contact your municipal recycling department to ask about personal care product acceptance. Some facilities even reward participation through sustainability programs.

The Environmental Impact of Plastic Shampoo Bottles

It’s easy to underestimate the footprint of a small bottle. But billions of them are produced annually, and most end up in landfills or waterways.

Facts to consider:

• The beauty industry generates 120 billion packaging units every year.
• Only 9% of plastic produced globally is recycled (UNEP data).
• A single plastic bottle can take up to 450 years to decompose.

By improving recycling habits and supporting sustainable alternatives, you help reduce microplastic pollution and support a circular economy.

Simple Habits to Build a Greener Haircare Routine

1. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
2. Support refillable or zero-waste brands.
3. Reuse before recycling—creativity counts.
4. Educate others about proper disposal.
5. Track your progress—aim for a low-waste bathroom.

Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. Each small action—like rinsing a bottle or refilling one instead of tossing it—adds up to meaningful change.

Summary

Recycling shampoo and conditioner bottles is a small act with a big environmental impact. Clean, sort, and repurpose your bottles—or choose sustainable packaging alternatives. Together, we can keep plastic out of oceans and make beauty routines better for the Earth.