Where Can I Recycle Deodorant Tubes?
If your local curbside recycling program doesn’t accept deodorant tubes, several brands offer free mail-in recycling services through TerraCycle and brand-operated programs:
Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Recycling Program
What’s Accepted:
- Tom’s of Maine deodorant containers and caps
- Tom’s of Maine toothpaste tubes and caps
- Tom’s of Maine mouthwash bottles and caps
- Tom’s of Maine toothbrushes
- Tom’s of Maine floss containers
How It Works: Sign up for the program at TerraCycle.com. Collect your Tom’s of Maine packaging and ship it for free when your box is full. You can also drop off items at participating public collection locations.
Important: This is a brand-specific program — only Tom’s of Maine products are accepted.
Learn More: Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Recycling Program
Colgate Oral Care Free Recycling Program
While primarily focused on oral care products, the Colgate program through TerraCycle accepts:
- Toothpaste tubes and caps (all brands)
- Toothbrushes (all brands)
- Toothpaste cartons
- Toothbrush outer packaging
- Floss containers (all brands)
Note: This program does not currently accept deodorant tubes, but Colgate-Palmolive (parent company) does manufacture Speed Stick deodorant. Check with TerraCycle for potential future expansion.
Learn More: Colgate® Oral Care Free Recycling Program
Garnier Personal Care Recycling Programs
Garnier has partnered with TerraCycle for various personal care recycling initiatives. Programs vary by region:
UK University Program accepts:
- Flexible single-use mask packaging
- Plastic wipes packaging
- Personal care caps, pumps, and trigger sprays
- Plastic pots and flexible tubes
- Hair colorant kits
- Plastic roll-on deodorants (aerosols not accepted)
U.S. Programs: Garnier has historically offered the “Rinse, Recycle, Repeat” campaign accepting beauty and personal care packaging including deodorant containers. Check Garnier’s website for current program availability in your region.
Learn More: Garnier UK Recycling Programme | Garnier USA Sustainability
Brand-Specific Recycling Initiatives
Schmidt’s Deodorant
Schmidt’s packaging is designed to be recyclable through standard channels:
- Deodorant jars: Once emptied, place in curbside bins according to local sorting requirements
- Deodorant sticks: Twist bottom dial up until inner plastic mechanism pops out. Wipe off remaining deodorant and check locally if sticks can be recycled curbside
- Deodorant sprays: Metal containers can be recycled anywhere aluminum is accepted
Learn More: Schmidt’s Recycling Information
Each & Every Conscious Club Recycling Program
Each & Every offers a rewards-based recycling program:
- Their new deodorant packaging uses NIR (near-infrared) black plastic, which can be detected by recycling facilities
- Packaging is made from recycled materials and fully recyclable at home
- Incentive: Take a picture of 5 empties in your recycling bin and email it to support@eachandevery.com to earn 200 Conscious Club points ($10 value)
Learn More: Each & Every Recycling
Dove Refillable Deodorant
Dove has introduced a refillable deodorant system to reduce waste:
- Stainless steel reusable case designed to last for life
- Refills use 54% less plastic than regular Dove stick packs
- Refills contain 98% recycled plastic
Learn More: Dove Refillable Deodorant | Dove Circular Care
Every Man Jack
Every Man Jack has transitioned to 100% recyclable all-polypropylene (PP #5) deodorant packaging:
- Can be recycled at municipal facilities that accept PP #5
- Made with 50% post-consumer recycled resin
- Reduces virgin plastic use by 500,000 pounds annually
- Check with your local recycling program to confirm acceptance
Curbside Recycling Options
Many deodorant tubes can potentially be recycled curbside if they’re made from accepted plastics (#2 HDPE or #5 PP). To recycle at home:
- Check the recycling symbol on the bottom of your deodorant tube
- Verify that your local recycling program accepts that plastic type
- Remove the dial mechanism and any non-recyclable parts
- Rinse out residual product
- Place in your curbside recycling bin
Check with your local recycling facility to confirm they accept deodorant tubes, as acceptance varies by municipality.
Still Stumped?
If your local recycling company won’t accept the deodorant tubes but you’ve been able to determine what number plastic they’re made of, use Earth911 Recycling Search to find a recycling solution near you.
If you still can’t track down a recycling option, continue reading for tips reducing your waste from deodorant packaging.