Can You Recycle Lotion Bottles? Here’s the Real Deal

Let’s be honest. You’ve just used up the last bit of your favourite moisturiser. Now you’re holding that empty lotion bottle, standing over the bin, asking yourself:

“Can I recycle this thing… or am I just wish-cycling again?”

We’ve all been there. It feels like the right thing to do. But not every bottle is created equal — and not every recycling centre wants your half-clean pump dispenser.

So let’s break it down, mate. Step-by-step. No fluff, no jargon.

Here’s the deal:

The beauty industry loves plastic. Pumps, caps, tubes, squeeze bottles — you name it. It’s everywhere. But a lot of this packaging is either mixed-material or downright impossible to clean.

Translation?

Even if you chuck it in the recycling bin, chances are… it’s heading straight to landfill anyway.

And that’s frustrating, especially when you’re trying to do the right thing.

Most lotion bottles fall under these categories:

Want to understand what these numbers mean? Check out this guide to plastic identification codes by the UKPACK.

Notice the issue?

The bottle itself might be recyclable… but the pump? That’s the problem child.

Don’t worry — I’ve got you.

Don’t toss a half-used bottle. That leftover goop? It contaminates the recycling stream. Finish it first.

Those pumps are not your recycling bin’s friend. They’re made with multiple materials that machines can’t separate. Bin it or reuse it if you can.

Quick swish with warm water. Doesn’t have to be spotless — just not sticky.

See that little triangle? That’s the plastic code. If it’s #1 or #2, you’re usually good to go. #5? Maybe. Depends on your local service.

Pro tip: Still not sure? Check your local recycling rules to confirm what your council accepts.

I hate to break it to you…

Most pumps go to landfill.

Why? They’re made from a Frankenstein blend of metal springs, rubber gaskets and plastic housing. That combo makes them unrecyclable in most kerbside programmes.

Here’s what you can do instead:

• Reuse them — For other bottles at home.
• Buy pump-less next time — Tubes and flip caps are easier to recycle.
• Choose brands with eco-friendly pumps — Some use mono-materials that can be recycled.

UKPACK now offers mono-material PP plastic lotion bottles — and yes, the pump is also made entirely of PP. That means the whole unit is designed for recyclability, without having to dismantle or throw bits away.

Want to see what that looks like? Check out our recyclable PP lotion bottles here — perfect if you’re serious about sustainable packaging that’s actually practical.

Some beauty brands are stepping up.

Take your empty bottles to a participating Nordstrom store. They’ll handle the rest. Learn more about TerraCycle’s beauty recycling programmes.

They offer a free mail-back programme. Print a label, box your empties, and off they go.

Bring back five empties? Get rewards. These companies take their packaging back and actually recycle it.

Here’s where you can get creative.

• Cut off the top and use the bottle as a makeup brush holder.
• Refill with hand soap or sanitiser.
• Use for travel-size products when going on holiday.
• Turn into a plant watering bottle with a pinhole in the cap.

It’s not recycling, but it is keeping plastic out of the bin.

Want to avoid this whole mess next time you shop?

Here’s what to look for:

Some brands now offer refill pouches (less plastic, more product).

Clear PET, HDPE, and mono-material pumps are your best friends.

They’ll handle the recycling for you. Easy win.

Not sure where to start? This WWF guide to sustainable beauty routines offers practical tips.

Look — I get it.

Recycling one bottle doesn’t save the world. But it does make a dent. And it tells companies we’re watching. That we care. That we want better options.

Small actions. Big ripples.

If thousands of us make better choices with our empties?

That’s real change.

Yes — but only if you do it right.

Separate the pump. Clean the bottle. Know your plastics.

And if it’s too hard to figure out?

Choose better packaging next time. Support the brands doing it right.

Your empties can make an impact.

Ready to start recycling smarter? Or looking for eco-friendly packaging partners for your brand?

UKPACK offers refillable, recyclable beauty packaging that ticks every box.

Because sustainable beauty shouldn’t be this hard.

Nope. They need to be empty and rinsed. Any residue can ruin the entire recycling batch.

Not always. Check your local recycling guide — rules vary by area.

In most cases? Toss it. Or better yet, reuse it.

They can be — especially if they’re made of recyclable mono-material plastic.

Yes. Less plastic. Fewer shipments. Lower carbon footprint.