thumb|right|examples of returnable glass milk bottles from the late 19th century a reusable bottle is a bottle that can be reused, either for multiple trips to a bottler or is reused by a household. it is a common example of reusable packaging. ==background, history== thumb|assortment of cleaning brushes, including bottle brushes early glass bottles were often reused: milk, water, beer, soft drinks,yoghurt etc. mason jars were developed for home canning and reused several times. with returnable bottles, a retailer would often collect empty bottles or would accept empty bottles returned by customers. bottles would be stored and returned to the bottler in reusable cases or crates. some regions have a container deposit which is refunded after returning the bottle to the retailer. at the bottler, the bottles would be inspected for damage, cleaned, sanitized, and refilled. more recently, many bottles have been designed for single use. this often allows for thinner glass bottles and less expensive plastic bottles and aluminum beverage cans. recycling rates have been increasing, particularly for aluminum. on a cost basis, the decision has often been made for non-returnable bottles. ==environmental comparisons==  the reuse of containers is often thought of as being a step toward more sustainable packaging. reuse sits high on the waste hierarchy. the container is used many times thus the material per use or per filling cycle is reduced. many potential factors are involved in environmental comparisons of returnable vs non-returnable systems. researchers have often used life cycle analysis methodologies to balance the many diverse considerations. often the comparisons show no clear winner but rather show a realistic view of a complex subject. ==bottles intended for reuse by households== thumb|right|metal water bottles right|thumb|multi-use polyester water bottles [[file:woda.mineralna.w.skrzynkach.jpg|thumb|upright|reusable [[mineral water]
Bottled_water Plastic_recycling Reuse Waste_management_concepts