Squeezable tubes for holding creams and gels such as toothpaste and a method for progressively collapsing and internally securing a tube in a flattened state. As the user squeezes the tube proximal to one end, the tube collapses. An internal mechanism to retain that portion of the tube in a collapsed position engages. The portion of the tube that no longer holds toothpaste remains in a relatively flat configuration of which sections may be cut off and thrown away. In an alternative embodiment, the internal mechanism is recyclable and/or releasable and the tube is refillable. Tubes may alternatively be used with many other types of contents such as hair shampoo and conditioner, paint, sunscreen, oil, frosting, pudding, ointments, powders, and liquids.