Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery partners with Colgate-Palmolive, Glacier robotics for recyclable plastic squeeze tubes
Effective immediately, MDRR’s residential recycling program will officially accept #2 plastic squeeze tubes in the blue recycling cart.
By Nicole Impagliazzo, Executive Director, Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery
Pittsburg, California – Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery (MDRR), an industry-leading company dedicated to diverting as much material as possible from landfills, is excited to announce a partnership with Colgate-Palmolive and Glacier robotics to gather data on the recovery of recyclable plastic squeeze tubes.
Colgate-Palmolive, an innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets, and our planet, pioneered the development of a first-of-its-kind recyclable tube made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), the same No. 2 plastic used for milk and detergent bottles, which launched in 2019. The company shared its patented technology and approach with tube suppliers, other brands, and interested parties. As of 2025, it is estimated that approximately 95% of toothpaste tubes and 85% of all HDPE tubes are designed for recycling, based on industry data compiled by Stina Inc., which leads the Plastic Squeeze Tube Recycling Project.
Now, using Glacier’s AI-powered cameras, Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery will be able to collect real-time data on toothpaste tubes and other non-toothpaste tubes—like lotion and shampoo—coming through the facility.
“We are excited to partner with Colgate and Glacier. It represents a significant step forward in our mission to divert as much material as possible from landfills. By leveraging advanced technology, we can improve our recycling and communication practices and contribute to a greener future.” Kish Rajan, MDRR, CEO
Recycle Your Squeeze Tubes – Residential Program Expansion Alert!
Effective immediately, MDRR’s residential recycling program will officially accept #2 plastic squeeze tubes in the blue recycling cart.
#2 Lotion, Toothpaste, Sunscreen, and Cosmetic plastic squeeze tubes now go into the blue!
Before placing them in your cart, please be sure they are:
- Plastic (no metal tubes)
- As empty as possible
- With the cap on
Tubes should be placed loose in your blue recycling cart, not bagged.
This program expansion means that more of the items you use daily can stay out of the landfill and enter a recovery pathway, supporting a cleaner, greener community for everyone.
About Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery:
Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery serves our customers, communities, and environment responsibly by optimizing the use of discarded materials.
Today, Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery serves over 250,000 residents and thousands of businesses throughout Contra Costa, Napa, and Solano Counties. It combines excellence in customer service with competitive rates and operates recycling and recovery programs designed to increase sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery’s Material Resource Facility in Pittsburg, California, contains the area’s largest state-of-the-art recycling processing center and C+D line to keep items out of the landfill.
Our company continues to grow and change to prepare our communities for the future. Consistent with our business values, we invest in programs and technology that maximize diversion and maintain customer convenience and service.
the attachments to this post:
MDRR CP & Glacier logos & tubes
