You don't need to buy anything special before your first refill visit. The containers you already have at home are almost certainly fine. But if you want to think about it a bit more, here is what works well and why.
Glass jars and bottles ¶
Glass is the most popular choice because it's easy to clean, doesn't absorb smells, and looks good on a shelf. Clip-top Kilner jars work well for dry goods like bicarbonate of soda or oat flour. Glass spray bottles are ideal for multi-surface cleaner. Old jam jars are perfectly good for olive oil or apple cider vinegar. The only downside of glass is weight, which matters if you're cycling or walking a long distance.
Old plastic bottles ¶
Reusing a plastic bottle you already own is a completely valid choice and arguably more sustainable than buying a new glass one. Old shampoo bottles, conditioner bottles, and cleaning spray bottles all work well. Give them a thorough rinse, let them dry, and bring them in. The goal is to keep the plastic you already have in use for as long as possible, not to replace it with something new.
Tins and metal containers ¶
Tins work well for dry goods and some thicker products like coconut oil. They're lightweight and durable. The thing to watch is that some tins have a lining that can react with acidic products like apple cider vinegar, so for liquids it's worth checking the inside of the tin before you fill. If in doubt, ask at the counter.
What to avoid ¶
Containers with very narrow necks can be tricky to fill accurately from a pump dispenser. Containers with residue that won't rinse out (old bleach bottles, for example) should be recycled rather than reused for food or personal care products. And containers that are cracked or have a damaged seal are worth replacing before they leak in your bag on the way home.
If you arrive without a container, we sell glass spray bottles and clip-top jars from £1.20, and we keep a small stash of clean second-hand jars behind the counter that we give away free while they last.