How can I reuse or recycle … squeezed toothpaste tubes?
A few weeks ago, I wrote a how-can-I on those solid, upright toothpaste tubes and one of the commenters, Cadan, asked what about squeezy toothpaste tubes instead.
So what about squeezed squeezy toothpaste tubes?
They used to be metal (like tomato/garlic puree ones still are) but now toothpaste tubes - or at least the ones we used - seem to more plasticky instead. The plastic ones look like they might (MIGHT) be easier to refill - anyone got any suggestions on what they could be refilled with? The metal ones though have a tendency to weaken at the edges when they’ve been utterly squeezed dry and rolled up so I doubt they can be refilled - does anyone know if they can be recycled?
(Photo by stocker)
Cut the top off, clean them out and tack then on the wall next to your desk to store a couple of pens.
Use them to store homemade icing if you’re a baker (?)
Rinsed out well they made a fun water gun or bath toy.
A brand called Jason makes a really nice (though quite expensive - £6ish) toothpaste called Seafresh, which comes in the old style metal tubes, which must be recyclable. The tube doesn’t break when bent or creased either, like these metal tubes tended to in the old days…
I love Jason! They make great products!
Anyway, you could make your own toothpaste and refill it with one of those huge syringes. I’m not sure what they’re called but they’re used in cooking.
I haven’t tried refilling the tubes, but I do make my own toothpaste.
how does one make their own toothpaste?
you can cut them along one side, then smooth them out then draw something (or hammer lightly) some designs or shapes on the side with labels. When you turn it over - you will have a nice convexed pattern on the tim side. You can yse it to decorate things - wrap it over an old lampshade. or cut it in strips ans wind it afound something. Other wise run a serch on ebay on Tin Art. This is what I found: http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cr_metal/article/0,2025,DIY_13766_2268281,00.html
Cut them along one edge and at both ends, you can flatten out the tube and clean it. You can fold it over and, using either duct tape or colourful stitching, turn it into a small change pocket. You can also do this with ‘tetra packs’ (juice boxes). You may see large bags and purses like this for sale at eco-stores, but you can just make them yourself!
Perhaps you could ask the London Borough of Hounslow. They accept them for recycling.
: recycling@hounslow.gov.uk
When I go traveling I take an old toothpaste container and place emergency money in it. Just roll up the $$ and stuff it into the opening. Snip the tube open at the back end to access it.
This has worked for me twice when I had my things rummaged through. who would want half used toothpaste? I lost the $20 in my purse but kept the $400 in the old toothpaste tube.
that’s so original!
but how come they rummaged through your luggage? did this happen at the hotel?
You can perhaps throw it away?
…and thats filling up a landfill, which is bad
A company called ECOTOP, a brazillian company use recycled Tetrapak and toothpaste tubes to make roofing material and construction boards, replacing roofing cement/Plaster boards etc.
Transportation costs are reduced due to the low weight and it’s made from 100% recycled material
a company in Indonesia make great bags, baskets and purses out of them