Emilio100 / Shutterstock.com Toothpaste Tubes Trash Emilio100 / Shutterstock.com Toothpaste tubes should be placed in the trash. The small size, excess printing, and variable plastic resin type (among brands) makes toothpaste tubes undesirable for plastic recyclers. Ways to Reuse Create a Scissor Sheath A clean toothpaste tube can act as a protective sheath for your scissors or knives.