Plastic bottles are convenient and inexpensive, and most plastic is recyclable. Simply place it curbside if your city collects recyclables or return it to a recycling center. You may want to reuse plastic bottles at home to save money, but it is not a good idea. There are chemicals within the plastic that can pose a health risk if they break down over time. Reusing the same bottle repeatedly may also allow harmful bacteria to build up inside.
Storage
Plastic bottles can leach out chemicals and contaminants if they are not properly stored. If bottled water or refilled plastic containers are exposed to heat over 75 degrees Fahrenheit, tiny bits of plastic may begin to drop off into the liquid. If temperature inside the bottle rises beyond 75 degrees, the liquid inside may taste like plastic. Throw away or recycle any plastic bottles that have been exposed to heat.
Chemicals
One of the main reasons plastic bottles shouldn't be reused is because of the chemicals in the plastic material. These chemicals include Lexan, Bisphenol A, DEHP and styrene. These chemicals can make their way into the liquid contents if the plastic bottle is scrubbed frequently or scratched and dinged through everyday use.
Health Issues
Most plastic water bottles are designed to be used only once and then discarded and recycled. Going-well.com reports that chemicals or bacteria left behind may cause health problems. Bisphenol A may interfere with the body's hormones, causing imbalances that require medical treatment. Some reusable baby bottles and sippy cups contain Bisphenol A, which may impair a child's immune system.
Soil Contamination
Reusing plastic bottles can contaminate the soil. When the bottles are washed and rinsed repeatedly, contaminants may ultimately soak into the soil, where the plastic particles fail to biodegrade. The particles can interfere with plant root growth and reach human water sources and be ingested.
Safe Types of Plastic
There are some types of plastic bottles that are safe to reuse. Check the bottom of the bottle for these symbols: #2, #4 and #5. These plastics resist breakdown and do not leach contaminants into liquid. Plastic bottles purchased at home centers and retail centers for liquid and food use are generally safe to reuse if they are specified heat resistant and dishwasher safe.
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