Can you reuse plastic water bottles? Know the risks of reusing them

Refilling a single-use plastic water bottle with clean water is generally considered safe, provided the bottle is clean and undamaged, experts say. The risk of bacterial growth can increase when bottles are scratched, difficult to clean or used to store liquids such as milk, juice or sugary drinks.

Plastic bottles are widely used around the world, with an estimated 1.3 billion consumed each day. Many people also refill and reuse them, raising questions about whether doing so could pose health risks.

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When reusing a plastic bottle can become risky

An expert told Eating Well that occasionally refilling a clean, undamaged bottle with safe drinking water is unlikely to create a major food-safety risk.

However, scratches, grooves and threads around the cap can make bottles more difficult to clean. These areas can allow microorganisms to remain and form a biofilm, which may not be removed through simple rinsing.

The type of liquid placed inside the bottle also matters. Brian Labus, associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, warned that sugary liquids can provide conditions for bacteria to multiply.

Milk, juice and soft drinks can increase the likelihood of bacterial growth in and around the bottle's lid. Perishable drinks can be particularly risky when left in hot conditions.

Does heat damage the plastic?

Experts told Eating Well, it is a common misconception that exposure to sunlight or heat causes the plastic itself to break down and contaminate water with microplastics or other particles.

Heat can cause dairy products and sugar-sweetened drinks to spoil faster, but leaving a plastic bottle in the sun or a hot car does not affect the integrity of the plastic, according to the experts cited.

Keep the bottle and hands clean

Maintaining hygiene is important when reusing a plastic bottle. Each time someone drinks directly from a bottle, microorganisms from the mouth can enter the liquid and the container. Germs can also be transferred to the cap and mouthpiece through the hands.

Warm water and soap can be used to clean both the bottle and hands. Keeping the bottle clean can reduce the likelihood of bacteria multiplying inside it.

Check the bottle for damage

Single-use bottles are generally made from thin polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, and are not designed to withstand prolonged wear and tear.

Users should regularly inspect bottles for scratches, defects or other damage. If a bottle develops visible flaws after repeated use, it is best to dispose of it.

Clean water should also be the preferred liquid for refilling. If milk, juice, soda or another perishable drink is placed in a single-use bottle, recycling the bottle afterward is recommended.

Reusable bottles offer a longer-term option

Although occasionally reusing a plastic bottle is not necessarily a major health concern, switching to containers designed for repeated use can reduce plastic waste.

Metal or glass bottles: Reusable bottles made for long-term use can reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles and may also lower the cost of repeatedly purchasing bottled water.

Stronger plastics: People who prefer plastic can consider more durable materials such as polycarbonate or higher-grade and layered PET bottles.

Recycled materials: Choosing bottles made partly or entirely from recycled materials can help reduce plastic waste and the resources required to manufacture new plastic.

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Recommendations

The overall view presented by the experts is that single-use plastic bottles can generally be refilled with clean water, particularly when they remain clean and undamaged. However, hygiene, bottle condition and the type of liquid being stored can affect the risk of contamination.

For people who frequently refill disposable bottles, switching to a reusable bottle made from metal, glass or stronger plastic may be a more suitable long-term option.