Can you recycle metal tubes (tomato purée, hand cream)?
Some councils accept squeezed-empty aluminium tubes; otherwise general waste
Aluminium tubes from tomato purée, garlic paste and some cosmetics are technically recyclable, and some councils accept them squeezed empty with the cap on — but residue trapped inside makes many say general waste. Check your council's A-Z under 'tubes'. Plastic tubes follow toothpaste-tube rules.
Tips
- Squeeze from the end and roll up to empty fully
- Cap back on if recycling
Which bin does it go in?
Some councils accept squeezed-empty aluminium tubes; otherwise general waste Exact rules depend on your council — check its website or look up your postcode below.
Councils can use different containers and accepted-item lists.
Background: Recycling symbols explained.
Also searched as: tomato puree tubes, metal squeeze tubes.
✓ Checked against current UK guidance: 14 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?