One of the simplest ways to start reducing your plastic footprint is by drinking from a reusable water bottle — a step that will also save you money in the long run. But while some brands, like Klean Kanteen, claim their water bottles are designed to last a lifetime, you can't assume your reusable water bottle will last forever.
If your water bottle is no longer in mint condition, you may be asking yourself how do I recycle a reusable water bottle?
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our editors cover sustainability from all sides, whether it's sustainable gifts or recycled craft ideas for the kids. Meanwhile, our product analysts are constantly testing reusable and eco-friendly products in the Labs, from the best reusable grocery bags and lunch bags to the best reusable straws and more. To find out the right way to recycle your reusable water bottle, I spoke with GH's Lab experts as well as industry experts.
Which reusable water bottles are recyclable?
"Not all reusable water bottles are recyclable," explains GH Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab Director Sabina Wizemann. "Their recyclability depends on the type of material, local recycling facilities, proper disposal and a demand for recycled materials." If your water bottle is made from a mix of materials or a non-recyclable plastic like polycarbonate, then it cannot be recycled.
Hydro Flask water bottles, for example, are made from 18/8 pro-grade stainless steel that is not only recyclable but is also durable, resistant to corrosion and designed to have no flavor transferred, according to the brand. Below, you'll find additional materials that can be recycled — just note that some are only accepted by specialized programs and you should check with your local program first.
Materials that can be recycled:
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
- Glass (unless it is chemically treated to withstand heat, in which case, check with your local recycling program)
Materials that are less commonly recycled:
- Tritan plastic
- Bamboo and other fibers derived from natural sources
- Silicone (often found in lids or sleeves)
How to recycle reusable water bottles
Before recycling, our experts recommend you confirm which materials your local recycling program will accept. Research how to remove non-recyclable parts of your water bottle and clean your bottle before tossing it in the recycling bin.
Some water bottle brands may have their own recycling programs. Hydro Flask Trade-In is one example. All customers have to do is register their product, print a shipping label, empty the bottle and mail the item within 30 days. Once Hydro Flask receives and recycles the bottle, customers will get $5 towards their next purchase.
Easy ways to repurpose a reusable water bottle
If your water bottle is in good condition, you may not want to get rid of it altogether. Instead, you can still find a new purpose for it elsewhere in your home. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
- Vase: Hydro Flask points out that a reusable water bottle has a sleek and sturdy design that can hold fresh or dried flowers. You can even repaint or embellish your bottle to elevate it.
- Planter: Before adding an indoor plant or succulent, remove the top if needed. Then add your soil and greenery. An old water bottle could also be a great vessel for propagation.
- Storage: According to Hydro Flask, a water bottle is already airtight and durable, making it an obvious container for storing dried goods. Without the lid, you could also keep utensils in it. Outside of the kitchen, you could use it to store writing utensils, makeup brushes, toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes, hairbrushes and the like. If you're at the beach, on a boat or camping, our editors also recommend keeping essentials inside if you don't want things to get wet or sandy. Plus, no one will suspect your keys, a few $20 bills and the like are in your water bottle.
Check out more of our smart upcycling hacks that make it easy to make the most of a purchase — after all, even essentials like a water bottle can be an investment.
Shop our favorite reusable water bottles
STANLEY IceFlow Fast Flow Bottle
Klean Kanteen Insulated Classic Water Bottle
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw
W&P Porter Glass Wide Mouth Bottle
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
