23/09/2025
Toothpaste tubes now recyclable across the UK;
All toothpaste tubes sold nationwide will now be made of recyclable polyethylene as part of a sustainability drive led by toothpaste manufacturers.
Toothpaste tubes have previously presented a challenge for recycling as they were formed of a sheet of aluminium sandwiched between plastic. Led by toothpaste brands such as Colgate and Haleon in collaboration with the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), the tubes will now be 100% recyclable.
While many local authorities are beginning to accept toothpaste tubes for recycling via kerbside collection, many consumers will still not have access to tube recycling from home. However, toothpaste tubes can be taken to Boots locations across the country, where customers will receive Advantage Card points for participating in the Recycle at Boots scheme.
‘Monumental change’
This announcement coincides with the UK’s annual Recycle Week, taking place from 22 to 28 September 2025.
Research conducted by WRAP found that most people believe toothpaste tubes are non recyclable. In the survey, eight in 10 people said they put one or more item that could be recycled in the residual bin.
Catherine David, WRAP CEO, said ‘We’ve taken one of the most infuriating household items and made it recyclable. To mark this monumental change, we’re asking oral healthcare professionals to tell patients about this. Dentists are the frontline of behaviour change in promoting oral healthcare practices, so we hope they’ll have a minute to encourage patients to recycle the tubes too. It’ll help reduce the amount of landfillings caused by discarded toothpaste tubes!’
How has the dental industry responded to recyclable toothpaste tubes?
Many major brands in the dental industry have welcomed the change.
Adrian Sen, sustainability innovation senior manager at Colgate-Palmolive, said: ‘We aim to contribute to a healthier planet through sustainable practices and are dedicated to converting all of our toothpaste tubes to the recyclable plastic tube design.
‘We are excited to have partnered with WRAP and others in the industry to make this a reality. The dental profession is a vital partner for us in encouraging healthy oral care habits as well as behaviours that promote a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet.’
Joe Muscat, environmental sustainability and innovation director at Haleon, said: ‘Making toothpaste tubes recyclable is a major step forward in reducing plastic waste. At Haleon, we’re proud to have played a leading role in this industry-wide shift, helping to turn a daily routine into a more sustainable one. By working together with partners like WRAP, we’re making it easier for people to make better choices for their health – and the planet.’
