In homes across the globe, expired soda bottles are often left unused. Yet, rather than discarding them, many individuals reuse these bottles for various purposes. One common practice involves reusing them to store drinking water.
If you’re reusing expired soda bottles, you might wonder whether it’s safe or dangerous. Does it pose any health risks? How long can you reuse them after the expiration date? Are there any unknown health issues associated with this? These are common questions that come to mind.
While you can reuse expired soda bottles, it’s not safe to use them for drinking water because they’re meant for one-time use only. However, there are many other ways to repurpose them, such as hanging them vertically in the garden, using them as plastic pet feeders, or decorating them as birdhouse tree decor.
Now, let’s explore what happens if you drink water from expired soda bottles.
Does Reusing Plastic Bottles Cause Cancer?
Not only expired soda bottles but reusing any plastic bottles is also dangerous to health. Most plastic bottles can be used again a few times if cleaned well with hot soapy water. But some plastic bottles, especially those labeled with a number 7, like Lexan, may have harmful chemicals. Even people who care a lot about the environment might avoid reusing them or buying them.
Some studies show that food and drinks stored in these bottles, like the clear ones often seen with hikers, might have a bit of a synthetic chemical called Bisphenol A (BPA). BPA can mess with the body’s natural hormones.
When plastic bottles are used multiple times, they can get small cracks and scratches from washing. This makes it more likely for chemicals to leak out over time. According to Environment California Research & Policy Center, BPA has been linked to things like breast and uterine cancer, higher chance of miscarriage, and lower levels of testosterone.
Here are the breakdowns for drinking water in expired soda bottle
- Water Safety: Even if the water in an unopened soda bottle has beyond its expiration date, it should still be safe. Expiration dates on bottled water usually signal changes in taste and quality, not safety.
- Bottle Material: If refilling a plastic soda bottle with water, it’s best to use a BPA-free bottle designed for multiple refills. Avoid using expired plastic bottles as they may be more prone to leaching chemicals.
How to Reuse Expired Plastic Soda Bottles?
While refilling expired soda bottles with water is not suggested owing to potential health risks, there are various safe and environmentally beneficial alternatives to reuse expired plastic soda bottles. Here’s some ideas:
- Tiny Items Organizer: Cut the bottle in half and decorate it to hold pens, pencils, craft supplies, or tiny toys.
- DIY Containers: Cut off the top of the bottle to construct containers for sewing supplies, cotton swabs, or beauty brushes.
- Watering Can: Make small holes in the cap to water small plants.
- Seedling Starter: Cut the bottom of the bottle and add drainage holes to make seedling planters.
- Piggy Bank: Decorate the bottle to create a fun piggy bank.
- Bird Feeder: To make a basic bird feeder, attach a spoon or tray to the bottle and fill it with birdseed (with appropriate ventilation).
- Noisemakers: Fill a bottle with dried beans or rice to make homemade shakers or maracas.
- Scooping Tools: Cut the bottle into scoops for pet food, flour, or other dry substances.
Important Considerations:
- Cleanliness: Before reuse, carefully wash and dry the bottles.
Label Removal: Remove any leftover labels for a cleaner appearance. - Safety: When cutting, use an adult or blunt-edged instruments for safety.
Not Heat Resistant: Avoid using these repurposed bottles for hot liquids or in high-heat situations.
