Can you refill plastic water bottles and reuse them?

Most beverage bottles in the U.S. are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and the FDA has determined that the use of PET is safe for both single and repeated use. That’s right, REPEATED USE. The FDA does note that reusing plastic water bottles without washing them could possibly harbor some bacteria.

Why you should not refill plastic water bottles?

Most of us don’t think twice about refilling our plastic water bottles. This harmful chemical can leach into the water and quickly grow dangerous bacteria in the bottle’s cracks—that’s one of the reasons you should stay away from straws, too—and the health consequences are pretty serious.

How many times a plastic bottle can be used?

According to Cancer Research UK, the types of plastic bottles in which drinking water is typically sold are safe to re-use as long as their condition hasn’t deteriorated. The bottom line is that bottles intended for reuse for households should be washed thoroughly after each use to assure proper sanitation.

Can reusing water bottles make you sick?

ANSWER: Yes, a laboratory test of multiple plastic water bottles revealed bacteria levels higher than what the EPA would deem acceptable. But, in most cases the bacteria that builds up by reusing water bottles won’t hurt you at all.

How long can you reuse a plastic water bottle?

Manufacturers design plastic bottles for one-time use only. They can be reused conservatively, provided they’ve not experienced any wear and tear. Swapping out plastic bottles for more permanent solutions, such as bottles made from stainless steel, is better for your health and for the environment.

Does bacteria grow in plastic water bottles?

Bacteria grow naturally in moist, warm environments, and virtually any container can provide the right circumstances for bacterial growth. The shape of plastic water bottles is a factor in the promotion of bacteria, as the narrow mouths of the bottles make them difficult to clean.

Is it OK to refill water bottles?

Disposable water bottles are usually made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). As of 2020, there is no solid evidence that reusing PET water bottles raises the risk of chemicals leaching into the water. However, you should always throw away bottles that have cracks or are showing other signs of degradation.

How long can you use a reusable plastic water bottle?

“Plastic water bottles can start to break down after continued use and need to be replaced about once a year,” Leanne Stapf, chief operating officer at The Cleaning Authority, told POPSUGAR.