It is not recommended to use Bactine beyond the labeled expiration date because of possible loss of effectiveness Can the Bactine bottles be recycled? Yes. They are #2 code HDPE (High Density Polyethylene). The caps are currently not recyclable. Why are there child resistant caps on the Bactine Original First Aid Liquid bottles? The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires the use of child resistant caps on all products that contain more than 0.5 mg. of lidocaine. The spray bottle is not child resistant; take special care to keep out of reach of all children. The spray bottle is not intended for households with young children. When was Bactine introduced? Bactine was developed in 1947 and introduced in 1950 to provide consumers with a single first aid product that was more effective, safer, and less caustic than the products commonly used for first aid at the time (iodine, silver nitrate, boric acid, and hydrogen peroxide are a few examples).