Why You Need to Keep the Cap on When Recycling Plastic Bottles

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# Why You Need to Keep the Cap on When Recycling Plastic Bottles

### A Small Habit That Makes a Big Difference in the Recycling Process

You finish a bottle of water or soda, and before tossing it into the recycling bin, you unscrew the cap and throw it away. That seems responsible — right?

Actually, **it’s better for the planet if you keep the cap on**.

It may feel counterintuitive, especially if you were taught otherwise, but recycling guidelines have evolved. These days, **leaving the cap on your plastic bottles** is the recommended (and much more effective) way to recycle.

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## So, Why Keep the Cap On?

### ✅ 1. **Caps Are Recyclable Too**

Most plastic bottle caps are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) — both recyclable materials. However, when you throw the cap away separately, it often **doesn’t make it to the recycling center**. It’s too small and lightweight, meaning it can slip through sorting machines and end up in the landfill — or worse, the ocean.

By **keeping the cap attached**, you ensure it stays with the bottle and gets recycled properly.

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### ✅ 2. **Modern Recycling Centers Are Designed for It**

Recycling technology has come a long way. Today’s facilities are built to **handle bottles with caps on**. The bottle and cap are shredded together, and then sorted by type during the recycling process.