Find places to recycle plastic bottles near you
Empty drinks, milk, detergent, shampoo and cleaning product bottles made from accepted household plastics.
Other names include detergent bottles, drinks bottles, milk bottles, shampoo bottles.
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How to recycle plastic bottles
Empty and rinse bottles, squash them and replace the lids. Leave labels on.
- Possible recycling routes
- Bring banks and recycling pointsHousehold waste recycling centres
Prepare plastic bottles for recycling
- Empty and rinse
- Squash to save space
- Replace lids when local guidance accepts them
What must stay out
Keep these items separate and check the site rules before you travel.
- Bottles that held paint, oil or hazardous chemicals need a separate check
- Reusable bottles should use their return scheme
- Pumps and trigger heads may need removal
Types of site to check
These site types can list plastic bottles. Each provider sets its own limits and access rules.
- Bring banks and recycling points
Small public recycling sites with separate containers for selected materials. They are often in supermarket, council and community car parks.
- Household waste recycling centres
Council-run sites that accept many types of household recycling and waste. Local rules can cover booking, proof of address, vehicle permits and charges for some DIY waste.
Collection and take-back services
These services may offer another route when a local site does not list the item.
- Recycle Now
UK recycling guidance with an item directory and a postcode-based recycling locator.
Related item guides
- Beauty and grooming packaging
Empty makeup, skincare, haircare and grooming containers made from mixed materials.
- Household chemicals
Unwanted household cleaners, solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals and similar products.
- Plastic pots, tubs and trays
Empty food pots, margarine tubs, meat trays, fruit punnets and similar rigid plastic packaging.
Questions about recycling plastic bottles
- Where can I recycle plastic bottles?
- Enter your postcode in the local finder to search bring banks and recycling points and household waste recycling centres near you. Check the provider page before you travel because item lists and access rules can change.
- How should I prepare plastic bottles for recycling?
- Empty and rinse bottles, squash them and replace the lids. Leave labels on.
Sources for this guide
- Simpler recycling: household recycling in England
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reviewed 14 August 2026
- Recycle an item
Recycle Now · Reviewed 14 August 2026