5 ways to recycle a toothpaste tube

We’ve already told you about ways in which you can successfully recycle your old toothbrushes. Recycling of toothpaste tubes is quite important. Why? Because they are made of plastic which takes hundreds or even thousands of years to break down, and there are a lot of toothpaste tubes that make their way to landfills every year! Here are some simple ideas that will help you get the most out of your investment in toothpaste, and do a little bit for the environment!

If you plan to send the tube to a recycling center (along with other plastic waste) first ensure that the tube is absolutely empty. To do this, simply press down on the tube upwards from the bottom, all the way to the top so that every slight bit of paste is squeezed out of the tube.  Once done, then the top (just below the cap) with a pair of scissors. Then open the tube out entirely (cut it open from the sides too) and clean it well. Doing so helps the tube from having any residue and this helps in putting it through a shredder at the recycling plant.

If that sounds like too much work, or if you don’t think that the right recycling infrastructure is available in your city, then listed below are five cool ways to reuse them for prolonged periods:

1. Knife/ Scissor Sleeve: Reaching out for knives or scissors always has the risk of getting a cut. Create a sleeve for it with an old toothpaste tube. All you need to do is cut off the top part of it, the area of the cap and clean well with hot, soap water. Once dried, slip it on onto your knife and scissors. 

2. Coin pouch: Recycle your old tube of toothpaste to create a simple waterproof coin pouch. For detailed DIY instructions, click here.
   

   Image Courtesy: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/356769601707778001/

3. Cord holder: Keep chargers and other cords from entangling. Cut off the toothpaste tube from both ends and use it to slip your cords into, to keep them from entangling.
   

   Image Courtesy: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/356769601707778001/

4. Toothbrush holder: Create yourself a fun looking toothbrush / make up brush holder. All you need for this one is an old empty tube, a vacuum suction cup, and a pair of scissors. For detailed DIY instructions, click here. Alternatively, you can create one using 4/5 toothpaste tubes. For instructions on creating that, click here. 

5. Icing cone: Reuse old toothpaste tubes for perfect icing on cakes. Make sure the tube is thoroughly cleaned with warm soap water prior to using. Post that just cut off the bottom end of it. Use it to fill in the icing and fold the tube, so the icing doesn’t come out.

We hope you found our post useful, if you do have any more ideas, please do share them with us.