Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Can Bottle Caps Be Recycled?

Bottle caps are small but important when it comes to recycling. The rules depend on the material and how you prepare them. Here’s everything you need to know about recycling bottle caps correctly.

✅ When Bottle Caps Can Be Recycled

  • Plastic bottle caps (from PET bottles) – most councils accept these, but only if you screw them back onto the bottle. Loose plastic caps are too small and get lost in sorting.

  • Metal caps and lids – like beer bottle caps, jar lids, or metal screw tops. Collect these in a tin can, squeeze it closed, and place the can in your recycling bin.

  • Large plastic lids – from jars, tubs, or bottles, provided they are clean and rigid.

❌ When Bottle Caps Can’t Be Recycled

  • Loose plastic caps – if not attached to a bottle, they’re too small for sorting machines.

  • Damaged or mixed-material caps – caps with plastic plus metal parts should be separated where possible.

  • Caps with food residue – dirty lids (e.g. peanut butter jar lids with leftover spread) can contaminate recycling.

  • Soft plastic lids – e.g. squeeze pouch tops, flip tops, or pump dispensers (check soft plastics collection programs if available).

Household Tips

  • Always empty and rinse bottles or jars before recycling.

  • Plastic bottle caps → put them back on the bottle, then recycle.

  • Metal lids → place them inside a steel can, crimp the top shut, and recycle.

  • Don’t throw loose caps into your bin—they won’t make it through sorting.

Business Tips

  • For cafés, restaurants, and offices with bottled drinks, provide clear signage on caps-on recycling.

  • Collect bulk metal lids in a steel can for staff to recycle together.

  • If dealing with large volumes (e.g. hospitality), schedule regular recycling pickups to keep streams uncontaminated.

Quick Reference

Recycle Do Not Recycle
Plastic bottle caps (attached to bottles) Loose plastic caps
Metal lids & caps (collected in a tin can) Dirty or food-soiled lids
Large rigid plastic lids Mixed-material lids, pump tops

Best Practices Summary

  1. Plastic bottle caps → screw back on bottles.

  2. Metal lids → collect in a can, squeeze shut, recycle.

  3. Keep all caps/lids clean before recycling.

  4. Businesses should provide signage and staff training.

Conclusion: Bottle Cap Recycling Made Easy

Yes — bottle caps can be recycled, but only when handled properly. Keep them attached to bottles, collect metal caps together, and always make sure they’re clean. Small changes like these prevent contamination and keep valuable materials in the recycling stream.

👉 Check out Waster’s Commingled Recycling bin options today in our online shop.

Download Now: Free PDF Business Owners Guide To Commingled Recycling Bin Services