Reusing plastic water bottles has become a common practice, but is it safe? There are differing opinions on the risks and benefits of reusing disposable plastic water bottles. Here we’ll examine the facts to help you decide if reusing plastic water bottles is right for you.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to common questions about reusing plastic water bottles:
Is it safe to reuse plastic water bottles?
There are some potential health risks with reusing disposable plastic bottles repeatedly. These include bacterial growth, chemical leaching, and wear and tear of the plastic. However, these risks can be minimized by following proper cleaning procedures and being aware of bottle degradation.
What are the benefits of reusing bottles?
Reusing plastic water bottles can reduce waste and environmental impact. It also saves money compared to purchasing new disposable bottles. Reusing bottles is a simple way to incorporate sustainability into daily life.
How many times can you reuse a plastic water bottle?
Most experts recommend reusing plastic water bottles no more than a few times, up to a maximum of one month. The bottle’s condition is also important – stop using bottles that show signs of damage or wear.
Is it better to use reusable bottles instead?
For long-term regular use, reusable water bottles made from materials like stainless steel, glass, or BPA-free plastic are considered safer and more sustainable. Disposable plastic water bottles are better suited for occasional reuse.
The Risks of Reusing Plastic Water Bottles
There are some important risks to consider when reusing disposable plastic water bottles:
Bacterial Growth
Disposable plastic water bottles are not designed to be reused. Plastic pores harbor bacteria and promote bacterial growth between uses. One study found that bottles reused for over a week had bacterial counts that exceeded guidelines for drinking water.[1] Repeated reuse also allows biofilm formation.
Chemical Leaching
Disposable plastic water bottles can leach chemicals like antimony, bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and acetaldehyde after the first use. Reusing bottles allows more opportunity for these and other chemicals to accumulate in the water with each reuse.
Plastic Degradation
The plastic used in disposable bottles degrades with repeated washing and reuse. This can allow bacteria to enter cracks in the plastic and cause faster leaching of chemicals. Degraded bottles are also more likely to break or shatter.
Unsafe Materials
Most disposable plastic water bottles are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This material is intended for single use and contains chemicals for durability that may not be safe for repeated contact with water over time. Reusable bottles use safer plastics like High-density polyethylene (HDPE).
Health Risks of Reusing Bottles
The risks associated with reusing plastic water bottles can translate into potential health concerns:
Toxic Chemical Consumption
Chemicals that leach from plastic bottles can inadvertently be ingested – repeated exposure to even low doses of these chemicals can potentially impact hormones, fertility, or increase cancer risk.
Exposure to Bacteria
Drinking water with high bacterial counts from reused bottles may cause mild stomach upsets or more severe gastrointestinal illnesses.
Increased Toxin Release
As plastic degrades with reuse, chemicals and microbial toxins can be released at higher rates into the water. This makes each subsequent reuse potentially more dangerous than the last.
Negative Health Impacts
Research indicates associations between drinking from reused plastic bottles and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and liver problems. However more studies are needed to confirm direct causation.
How to Reuse Plastic Bottles Safely
If reusing disposable plastic water bottles, follow these basic safety guidelines to minimize risks:
Limit Reuse to 2-3 Times Max
Only refill disposable plastic water bottles a maximum of a few times. As reuse increases, so do the risks. Set a reuse limit for yourself and stick to it.
Inspect Bottles Thoroughly
Before reusing, carefully inspect bottles for cracks, cloudiness, and wear and tear. Damaged bottles harbor more bacteria and should be discarded.
Clean Properly Between Uses
Wash reusable bottles thoroughly with hot water and dish soap, and be sure to fully dry them between refills. This helps reduce bacterial contamination.
Replace Frequently
Replace bottles frequently, ideally every few weeks. No bottle should be reused for longer than a month before being recycled and replaced.
Consider Safer Reusable Options
For regular reuse, use bottles designed to be reusable made of glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastics. These are better for long-term use.
Don’t Reuse for Hot Liquids
Avoid pouring hot liquids like tea or coffee into disposable bottles. Heat accelerates chemical leaching from the plastic.
Store Safely
Keep reused bottles in a clean protected area and out of direct sunlight, which causes plastic to degrade faster.
Proper Cleaning of Reusable Bottles
Cleaning reusable bottles thoroughly helps minimize risks. Follow these steps for proper cleaning:
Rinse Immediately After Use
Don’t allow residue or liquids to dry inside the bottle. Rinse thoroughly after each use.
Wash with Hot Water & Soap
Use hot water and dish detergent to wash bottles after each use. Scrub the inside with a bottle brush.
Clean All Parts
Take bottles apart and clean caps, straws, carrying straps, etc. These harbor bacteria too.
Let Air Dry Completely
Allow bottles to air dry fully upside down on a drying rack. Don’t wipe dry or reassemble while wet.
Sanitize Weekly
Use a bottle sterilizer or make a sanitizing solution of 1 tablespoon bleach in 1 quart water. Sanitize bottles weekly.
Replace Brushes/Sponges
Bacteria cling to bottle brushes and cleaning sponges over time. Replace these items frequently.
Signs Your Bottle Needs Replacing
In addition to following a reuse time limit, watch for these signs that it’s time to retire a plastic water bottle:
Scratches Inside
Scratches and cracks allow bacteria to hide and proliferate. Toss bottles with scratched or damaged interiors.
Deformations & Dents
Dents or bottle shape deformations indicate degrading plastic and potential bacterial harborage sites.
Stained or Cloudy
Stains, cloudiness, or dingy appearance signal it’s time for a new bottle.
Retains Smells/Flavors
If a bottle retains odors or flavors after washing, the plastic is degrading. Replace it.
Leaking Bottles
Leaking bottle caps or bodies mean the plastic is breaking down. Leaks allow bacteria to flourish.
Brittle Plastic
If the plastic feels brittle or cracked, chemicals are leaching from the breakdown. Toss it.
Reusing Bottles Long-Term Increases Risks
While an occasional short-term reuse of a plastic water bottle may be safe, reusing bottles for extended periods significantly increases risks. Long-term reuse should be avoided.
Here are the heightened risks of long-term bottle reuse:
Higher Bacterial Counts
With long-term reuse, bacterial contamination in bottles can reach dangerous levels even with washing.
Increased Toxin Leaching
The longer a bottle is reused, the more opportunity for chemicals like BPA, antimony, and phthalates to leach.
Amplified Plastic Breakdown
Extended reuse accelerates plastic degradation, releasing more chemicals and causing structural integrity loss.
Greater Risk of Illness
Continued use multiplies chances of sickness from bacteria or toxins. Symptoms may include digestive issues, headaches, rashes, and hormonal effects.
Higher Risks for Children
Children face amplified risks from bacteria or toxins released from overused bottles due to their developing bodies.
To avoid these increased risks, limit reuse to a few weeks and replace bottles frequently. For kids, use new bottles each day if reusing.
Reusing Other Single-Use Plastics
In addition to bottles, many consumers reuse other “single use” plastic items like food containers and bags. These also carry risks when overused.
Takeout Containers
Only reuse sturdy takeout containers 2-3 times max. Avoid reheating food in them. Replace cracked containers.
Plastic Utensils
Don’t reuse plastic cutlery. These porous items harbor bacteria even with washing. Use metal utensils instead.
Plastic Bags
Reuse plastic bags for short-term storage but not for food. When reusing, keep bags clean and tie them shut to reduce bacterial growth.
Single-Use Cups
Avoid reusing disposable cups. Paper cups degrade and plastic cups harbor bacteria. Opt for reusable mugs instead.
Comparisons Between Reusable & Disposable Bottles
Reusable water bottles made specifically for multiple uses offer clear health and sustainability advantages over disposable plastic water bottles.
Safety
| Reusable Bottles | Disposable Bottles |
|---|---|
| Made from safe materials for repeated use | Made from plastics with chemicals only deemed safe for one use |
| Less bacterial growth between uses | Porous plastic harbors bacteria between uses |
| Less plastic breakdown with repeated use | Plastic breaks down with additional reuse |
Money Savings
| Reusable Bottles | Disposable Bottles |
|---|---|
| Pay once for bottle, then pay only for water | Repeatedly pay for new bottles |
| Saves an estimated $60 per year on average | Buying cases of bottled water gets expensive fast |
| Most last 1-3 years with proper care | Disposed of after each use |
Environmental Impact
| Reusable Bottles | Disposable Bottles |
|---|---|
| Single bottle reused for years | Each bottle discarded after one use |
| Significantly less plastic waste | Major plastic pollution contributor |
| Lower carbon footprint | Higher carbon footprint from plastic production and transport |
The differences are clear – reusable bottles are the safer and more sustainable option compared to single-use plastic water bottles.
Pros & Cons of Reusing Plastic Water Bottles
Here is a summary of the key pros and cons to consider when deciding if reusing disposable plastic water bottles is right for your needs:
Pros
- Convenience and availability
- Reuses item instead of discarding
- Saves money vs. buying cases of water
- Causes less environmental waste
- Lightweight and portable for on-the-go
Cons
- Increased risk of bacterial contamination
- Higher chance of chemical leaching
- Can degrade and break down over time
- Not recommended for long-term reuse
- Reusable bottles are healthier and more sustainable
The Bottom Line
The occasional short-term reuse of disposable plastic water bottles is generally safe and offers some benefits. However, bottles should only be reused 2-3 times maximum, and long-term reuse should be avoided.
For regular everyday use, reusable plastic or metal bottles designed specifically for multiple refills are the healthier and more sustainable choice. But reusing the odd disposable bottle once in awhile can be an easy way to reduce waste in a pinch.
To reuse disposable bottles safely, limit reuse to 2-3 times, wash properly between refills, replace bottles frequently, inspect closely for damage, and avoid reuse with hot liquids. And remember – when in doubt, throw it out. Your health and the environment will thank you.
