Sometimes, the bottle is just too broken. The lid is a warped mess, the interior smells like last year’s kombucha, or the plastic is cracking. It’s okay. You can let go. But do it properly: look up a specialized plastic recycling drop-off (like at a local REI or community center). Many outdoor stores have programs that actually recycle these tougher plastics.
Or, send it off with a little ceremony. Seriously. Hold it, thank it for not poisoning you, and then place it in the designated bin. I’m only half-kidding. We’re too quick to throw things out without acknowledging their service. That bottle was there for you during a long hike, a boring Zoom call, a road trip where you cried to “Fast Car.” Respect the journey.
