How To Recycle Cosmetics? - Gabriela Margall

How To Recycle Cosmetics
Find Programs That Recycle the “Unrecyclable” Products – If you find that your products can’t be recycled through your municipal program, try finding a cosmetic recycling program that will do the work for you. For example, TerraCycle and Garnier have partnered to create a free recycling program for all brands of skincare, hair care and cosmetic packaging.

Joining the program allows you to download a free shipping label so you can send in your products. Once received, they will be melted down, pelletized and shaped into hard plastic to be used in things like shipping pallets and park benches. If your product cannot be recycled through your municipal program and is not accepted by any of TerraCycle’s free programs, Payne says you can also purchase one of TerraCycle’s zero-waste boxes — specifically the Beauty Products and Packaging Box — which allows you to recycle practically every kind of waste.

Everything that is collected from these boxes get sorted and processed into raw materials that can be reused instead of getting sent to a landfill or incinerated.

How do you dispose of makeup environmentally friendly?

As a conscious consumer, you’re aware of the ingredients you’re putting on your skin, hair and body, but you’re probably also concerned about making sure that the packaging your products come in is also non-toxic by being properly recycled to have a minimal impact on the environment.

And then, there’s the question of toxic beauty products, maybe those that you are moving out of your routine, or products like nail polish which can contain remnants of carcinogenic and hormone disrupting ingredients.
Today we’re talking about all of it.
And, I asked my colleague Tiila Abbitt, Founder of Āether Beauty, to go deep with us on recycling, her expertise.

First, let’s talk about those toxic beauty products. While your first instinct may be to rinse out and recycle these product-lined bottles, jars and tubes, doing so sends these toxic chemicals right into our surface water (as does using them on a daily basis).

We know that contaminating water is not what you had in mind so here are some better ways to dispose of beauty products, their containers and their contents as safely as possible.
Call or go online to find out if your local disposal center accepts cosmetics as household hazardous waste.
Most provide specific drop-off times for cosmetics, medications, aerosols, paints, fluorescent bulbs, batteries and other hazardous products (notice the company your beauty products are keeping).

Bringing them here assures they’ll be disposed of wisely – whether through recycling, incineration, conversion to cement, pyrolysis (thermochemical decomposition), or placement in a hazardous waste landfill. This is the safest way to dispose of beauty products containing toxic, villain ingredients and prevent them from getting into our water and land.

Note: Lipstick made with lead or acrylates and nail polish should always be considered hazardous waste and never be thrown away in the trash or recycled and must always be disposed of through a hazardous waste program.
If you can’t dispose of beauty products directly through a local household hazardous waste program, try these next best solutions: Check Terracycle to see if there is a brand specific program for that product.

Or, look for a Terracycle drop off location for that product. For example, at our Beauty Heroes Novato store, we accept all beauty products and will recycle them safely and completely in our Terracycle Beauty Box that we pay for and return to Terracycle to be completely recycled. You can purchase a Terracycle mixed zero-waste box or beauty box to have in your home and recycle it that way. For bottles that can be completely emptied of their contents – remove as much of the product directly into the trash where it will go into a landfill. For a deep dive in recycling best practices, here’s expert advice from Tiila Abbitt: Cosmetic Packaging make up about 1/2 of all landfill space, with over 120 billion pieces of packaging created. every. single. year. This stunning fact is what motivated us to change the equation – to create the World’s first 100% recyclable eyeshadow palette,

Buy fewer products (and choose quality, long-lasting products that multitask)
Choose sustainably packaged products wherever possible

And the next best thing we can do: recycle, Keep reading for facts and tips to help you navigate the confusing and sometimes complicated world of beauty recycling! 1. MIXED MATERIALS ARE NOT RECYCLABLE The average palette, compact, or case is created by layering and fusing together multiple materials like plastic, paper, and metal.

While some of these individual materials are recyclable on their own, when combined, they become impossible to recycle.
Why? Different companies collect each raw material (metal, plastic, paper, etc.), and it’s impossible to separate the layered materials without highly specialized machinery that most facilities don’t have.

So, these items go straight to the landfill. Your most sustainable option: choose single-material packaging wherever you can.2. SEPARATE DIFFERENT MATERIALS Even if all individual components of an item are recyclable, unless they’re taken apart before reaching the recycling facility, that item winds up in the landfill.

For example, Āether Beauty Eyeshadow Palettes are 100% recyclable but still have to be disassembled before recycling. More on that below! To avoid adding to the cosmetic trash pile, separate components down to their recyclable parts.3. CLEAN AND DRY YOUR RECYCLABLES The companies that buy your recyclables won’t accept dirty or contaminated materials – they must be 95% uncontaminated.

To keep your empties out of the landfill, wash and dry everything thoroughly before tossing it in the bin! 4. MAGNETS ARE NEVER RECYCLABLE & ARE HARMFUL TO PEOPLE AND THE PLANET Magnets are the bane of beauty sustainability, For sure, they’re convenient to keep your compacts and palettes closed, but they’re also incredibly hazardous to the environment and local communities.

Plus, they’re never recyclable. Magnets are made with ‘Rare Earth’ elements and are processed with harsh carcinogenic toxins. These harmful chemicals often wind up in local waterways, endangering people, wildlife, and polluting the environment. What we use to hold our palettes shut: an elastic. And after you’re done with it, reuse it as a hair tie! We know we’re always looking for an extra one.5.

BLACK PLASTICS ARE NEVER RECYCLABLE Because the conveyor belts in recycling facilities are black, the sensors can’t recognize black or dark-colored plastic. So, all dark-plastic pieces are landfilled from the get-go. When you can’t avoid buying plastic, choose recyclable clear and white plastics.

More on which plastics are recyclable down below! 6.
PUMPS ARE RARELY RECYCLABLE Most cosmetic pumps are made with multiple varieties of plastic, which are nearly impossible to separate without specialized industrial equipment.
Another one of those oh-so-convenient, yet deeply wasteful beauty items.
Justsayno 7.

MIRRORS ARE NOT RECYCLABLE Mirrors are made by applying a non-recyclable reflective coating to glass. This coating makes the glass nearly impossible to recycle. And let’s be real, you’ll probably be using your products in front of a mirror anyways! It’s another addition we could live without for more sustainable packaging.8.

APPLICATORS ARE RARELY RECYCLABLE Most applicators like lip gloss and mascara wands are made from unrecyclable mixed materials. In other words, most are trash-bound once empty. For less waste, either choose products without applicators or those with recyclable applicators! The Āether Beauty Ruby Lip Crème applicator is recyclable once you snip off and discard the small tip.9.

ZAMAC IS UNRECYCLABLE Zamac is a blend of metal alloys that’s often used in refillable cosmetic packaging. Zamac is entirely unrecyclable, and while refillable is definitely preferable to non-refillable, these products still land in the landfill once they’re worn out.

Something to think about when shopping sustainable! 10. NOT ALL PLASTICS ARE RECYCLABLE – SHOP BY NUMBERS All plastics are labeled with a number from 1-7, usually on the bottom of the container. These numbers tell you that’s item’s recyclability. Look for the numbers and try to choose easily recyclable options when you can’t avoid buying plastic altogether: Always Recyclable #1 PETE (Polyethylene Terephthalate) #2 HDPE (High density Polyethylene) Not Recyclable #3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) #4 LDPE (Low-density Polyethylene) #6 PS (Polystyrene) #7 (Other) Sometimes Recyclable #5 PP (Polypropylene) Some cities and recycling programs will accept #5 plastics.

Your best bet is to call your local program and see what they will and won’t accept! 11. RECYCLING PLANTS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY ARE CLOSING Now that you know the ins and outs of recycling, there’s just one more hurdle. Over 300 recycling plants have closed in the US since March last year, and as a result, many recyclables are being incinerated instead.

Once you hit pan, remove the aluminum trays from the paper packaging
Rinse out the pans and dry them off
Put the pans, paper palette, outer box, and tarot card (unless you’re collecting them) into your recycling bin. Thank it for entering your life and wish it #goodvibesonly in its next iteration!
Snip off the elastic and reuse it as a hair tie.
Congratulations, you’ve just saved one more beauty product from the landfill!

What beauty products can be recycled?

More of us are invested in preserving our future and our planet. In terms of beauty, this means making sure we recycle makeup compacts, mascara tubes, moisturiser pots, shampoo bottles and all the other beauty products we’ve finished. Or at the very least, dispose of them properly.

So, of all the bonkers commemorative dates in the calendar (looking at you, Hug Your Cat Day), one that deserves all the airtime it can get, is Global Recycling Day, which happens every year on 18th March. If we’re honest, most of us would have to admit we’re not doing a good enough job of it. We’re aware of the problem – the seas are filling with plastic and global emissions continue to rise – but the solution is much trickier.

Statistics show we’ve got better at recycling our kitchen waste (research from Garnier found the UK recycles 90% of kitchen waste). As for our bathroom and beauty waste, we’ve got a long way to go (we only recycle 50%) – but why? When it comes to ditching our food containers, with help from the pamphlets that get dropped through our doors, we’re pretty clued up.

We separate, rinse and bin. But when it comes to our beauty products, we’re pretty stumped. In fact, data from Terracycle shows that 4.5million Brits find recycling their bathroom waste too confusing. Caps have to be separated, labels have to be removed, pumps need to be ditched and a whole bunch of products are considered hazardous, even when empty, making it difficult to recycle makeup and other beauty products.

Satisfying ASMR 1 Hour Repair Makeup Collection #2

So how can we reduce the amount of recyclable beauty products that end up in landfill without setting up at-home recycling systems? Well, for starters, we can clarify what goes where, and with the help of Currentbody, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to recycling the contents of your bathroom shelf.

Can I put old makeup in the bin?

Recycling options – Let’s start with the easy ones first. If you bring your empties to Aveda, Everyday Minerals, Kiehl’s, Lush, MAC, Origins, or Zoya, they’ll recycle them. In some instances, restrictions apply. For example, Zoya only offers recycling once a year—on Earth Day, while Lush takes back branded packaging.

TerraCycle has also partnered with companies like L’Oreal, L’Occitane, and Garnier to offer recycling programs, so there’s plenty out there.
Some companies have also moved towards refillable packaging to reduce the bulk of wasted packaging.
In the US, TerraCycle is also working with Ulta in their waste-free packaging program Loop,

If you still have a lot of product left in the container, you could also consider donating it to a friend. Some women’s shelters will also gladly take your unwanted makeup. Plus, you’ll be doing someone a solid. Okay, now for the tough stuff. Most cosmetic packaging is made from glass and polypropylene, or plastic #5 for all you resin identification number nerds, making them recyclable in most communities.

Should I throw away all my makeup?

You’re Probably Using Your Makeup Way Too Long—Here’s When to Get Rid of It Your mascara from last summer? Time to toss it. That hot red lipstick you bought for that special occasion a year ago? You probably shouldn’t reapply. That dramatic eye shadow you haven’t worn in a year or so? Look again.

Just like the, your makeup has an expiration date. Here’s our guide to what you should keep and when you should toss and replace it. Average life span : four to six months Switch out your every four to six months or as soon as it starts smelling funky (think: burning plastic) and depositing more clumps than color, said, a dermatologist in Great Neck, New York.

Take no chances with eye products—germ-ridden formulas can cause infections and, When you buy a new tube, do all you can to safeguard it from bacteria. Close it tightly after each use, avoid pumping the wand in and out, and never, ever share your mascara with anyone.

Average life span : one year Immediately part ways with your pencil liner if the tip starts oozing an oily substance or forms a white film. Hang on to liquid liners for no more than six months, and dump them sooner if they thicken or smell like decaying roses. Little can be done to extend the life span of a liquid formula since the applicator tip is in constant contact with your eyes and can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria.

But you can shave away germs on pencils by sharpening them every few days. Average life span : one year Most formulas—liquids, creams, and compacts—can last up to a year if kept out of direct sunlight and away from heaters. But once your liquid starts to separate, your cream thickens, or your compact color develops a rubbery aroma, it’s time to toss it.

To extend the life of your, use a cotton swab when dipping it into bottles. If you use a compact, wash the puff or sponge every few weeks. Average life span : one year If you use a pan or stick formula, you’ll know it’s gone bad when it cracks or turns tough and elastic-like. It’s time to throw out your liquid concealer if it separates, appears oily, and/or smells rancid.

Keeping hands out of your concealer’s pot or pan and tightly screwing on the lid can save it from spoiling before the year is up. Average life span : one to two years Expect creams to last one year, powders about two. If your powder grows a white crust or starts to crumble before that time, chuck it.

Creams tend to thicken and smell funny when they turn,” said Dr. Graf. Other life-extending tips apply too—use cotton swabs, tighten lids, and avoid heat and sunlight. You can also protect powders by keeping them dry and storing them in a place other than the bathroom, where humidity can alter their texture.

Average life span : eight months Unless it turns gooey, smells rubbery, or no longer applies to your lips, you can safely use lipstick for at least eight months. Of course, if lipstick comes into contact with a or another type of infection, kiss it goodbye.

Average life span : a year or longer, depending on the type —the ones you use for powdered products—can last almost a lifetime, if taken care of. Wash them once a week with gentle soap and warm water, and then set them on a table to dry with the brush end hanging off the edge. Synthetic brushes, used for creams, last only about a year and need to be cleaned at least twice a week with an alcohol-based cleaner.

Toss when they start shedding, become rigid, or stop applying color evenly. If you want your makeup to highlight your best features and hide your blemishes, remember to inspect the products you’re using before applying, especially if you have had them for a while. Thanks for your feedback! : You’re Probably Using Your Makeup Way Too Long—Here’s When to Get Rid of It

Can makeup with products be recycled?

Good news: Eyeshadow palettes, powder compacts, perfume bottles and glass containers can all be placed in the recycling bin. Just make sure the packages are clean and dont have any residual makeup left in them. Unfortunately, mascara and lipstick tubes are not recyclable, even if theyre made of plastic.

Are mascara tubes recyclable?

Typically, mascara tubes are often made from recyclable materials so they can be disposed of in your normal recycling bin. Make sure you thoroughly wash and dry the tube first— hot, soapy water should do the trick.

What happens to old cosmetics?

The older cosmetics get, the less they work – As makeup gets older, the chemical ‘makeup’ of the ingredients in the product starts to break down, says Mae. “In foundation specifically, this can cause the product to not lay evenly on the skin. Longevity of the application is also affected. JAYANNPO/shutterstock

What happens to returned beauty products?

3. Beauty Products – If you’re considering returning makeup, skincare, haircare, or another beauty product don’t. Last year, an Ulta employee revealed those products are often thrown out or destroyed. (This isn’t anything new; it happens at other retailers, too.) While there are instances where new and sealed products can be resold, oftentimes it’s not sanitary to put these items back out on shelves.

Why should you throw away old makeup?

Preservatives in makeup don’t last forever. – In general, to maintain a clear and attractive complexion you should discard old makeup. It can harbor germs, degrade, and become rancid. Only the most powerful preservatives might inhibit microbes. In this era of natural formulations, preservatives are not going to preserve skin care products for very long and it is best to be err on the side of caution.

How often should you throw away old makeup?

Be honest: When was the last time you cleaned out your beauty bag ? From expired mascaras to dirty makeup brushes, there’s probably a good amount of clutter you’ve been meaning to get rid of that’s getting in the way of the items you actually use. If you don’t want to keep pushing off all of that overdue cleaning, Cosmopolitan Beauty Editor-at-Large Julee Wilson stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to share what you need to know to get it done — plus, the items you should add to cart once you do.

As a general rule of thumb, Wilson recommends letting go of anything you’ve had in your bag for over a year.
However, that time frame is shorter for eye makeup (which should be thrown away if older than six months) and makeup sponges (which should be replaced every 3-4 months).
But when in doubt, look at the expiration date.

As for fragrances, Wilson says they have a shelf-life of five years if left out of sunlight. Though, she still recommends sticking to your favorites and using them up before they expire (or you start shopping for new ones!). Keep reading for even more insight from beauty experts, along with the best picks to check out.

Best beauty products as seen on the 3rd hour of TODAY Best beauty cleaning products Best foundations and concealers Best eye makeup Best lipsticks and gloss Best makeup applicators Best serums and moisturizers

What can I do with old foundation?

How To Recycle Cosmetics Image via Imaxtree Foundation is truly the product that keeps on giving. While it primarily serves as the staple product in our makeup bags that helps give us a flawless complexion, it also has a number of other uses. And what’s better than a multipurpose product to help save time and money? The best part about foundation is that it’s versatile, so you can build on it for greater coverage or use a light veil of product for priming purposes.

For these reasons (among many others), we’ve rounded up some great ways to stretch your foundation further.
Check out some of our favorite uses for the product below, and let us know how you repurpose your own foundation in the comments section below.
Eye Primer: There’s nothing worse than having your eyeshadow crease and slide around on your eyelids after you’ve spent a good portion of your morning applying it.

The problem? Natural oils form on the eyelids throughout the day, causing eye makeup to basically just up and leave. The solution? Tap a bit of foundation on your eyelids before you apply your eye makeup to provide a grip for makeup to hang on to throughout the day.

Dust a bit of powder over the foundation before you apply the eyeshadow as well for added protection.
MORE: 5 Reasons Your Foundation Isn’t a Perfect Fit Lip Primer: Similar to the tip above, after you moisture your lips with a bit of balm or an exfoliating lip scrub, tap some foundation onto your lips before you apply your lip color.

Foundation helps neutralize the lips for the best color pay-off from your lip color, and it also helps the color to last longer throughout the day. Concealer: A foundation that’s a few shades lighter can double as a concealer when you’re in a pinch. Sometimes we need a number of different shades of foundation to use throughout the year as our skin tone changes, so don’t throw out your summer shade in the winter or vice versa.

Contouring: Still trying to jump on the contour bandwagon? Purchase a stick foundation that’s a few shades darker than your current skin tone (but also within the same color family), and apply to the top of your forehead, under the jaw line, on the sides of your nose, and just below the cheek bones.

Blend with a damp makeup sponge or a brush and voila! MORE: How to Brighten Winter Skin Without Bronzer Tinted Moisturizer : Have you ever wanted a lighter makeup look, but couldn’t find the right product to help you achieve that? Try this! Take a few pumps of your favorite moisturizer and an equal number pumps of your favorite foundation.

Do lipstick really expire?

Since it’s difficult to know just by looking at a product when it expires, here are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind: –

Mascara and liquid eyeliner typically are considered safe to use for three months. Liquid products used near the eye have an increased risk of spreading bacteria. Pencil-style eyeliners, gel eyeliners and lip pencils can be used for up to a year. Water-based foundation typically is good for a year, while oil-based foundation is good for about 18 months. Consider replacing cream-based foundation or blushes every six months to a year. Powder products, if stored properly and free from moisture, are good for up to two years. Lipstick is good for one to two years, and lip gloss can be used for six months to 1 year.

Minimizing the spread of bacteria in makeup starts with using clean applicator brushes. The brushes used to apply your makeup should be washed every seven to 10 days to avoid bacteria growth. Following guidelines for expiration of makeup products is the first step in protecting yourself against any potential health risk from your cosmetics.

Is makeup harmful to the environment?

5) Beauty chemicals are killing our coral reefs – Every cosmetic we use eventually washes off and ends up in our oceans. Often, shampoos, sunscreens, creams, and lotions contain harmful chemicals which cause damage to the environment.

Parabens and triclosan are the biggest culprits and have been tagged as endocrine disruptors and linked with cancer. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration calls the world’s coral reefs ‘one of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth’, yet they are subjected to 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen every year. How To Recycle Cosmetics

A common chemical ingredient used in almost every sunscreen is ‘Oxybenzone’ also known as ‘Benzophenone-3′. This is an active chemical that absorbs UVA and UVB rays which protects skin from the sun. Whilst this ingredient is very effective at protecting your skin, it is a culprit in the massive destruction of coral reefs in the world’s oceans.

Studies show that Oxybenzone damages the coral’s DNA and interferes with the reproduction and growth of young coral. Coral reefs house diverse ecosystems that provide habitat and food for many marine organisms, they also generate billions of tourist dollars to local economies. Chemical ingredients like BHT, sodium Laureth sulfate, and BHA have also been found to cause changes to the biochemistry of aquatic life.

They reduce the animal plankton population – a crucial food source to marine life and even result in fish death. Once these chemicals enter our waterway they are hard to remove. Even after sewage treatment, some of these chemicals remain in our water supply.

Is makeup remover bad for the environment?

It’s time to get real about the environmental impacts of makeup remover wipes! – It is estimated that makeup remover wipes are responsible for about 10 per cent of the wastewater stream, while toilet paper only makes up 6 per cent. There are 3.4 billion kilograms of wipes thrown into the landfill each year, which add up to 1.3 billion wipes tossed each day,

That’s 20 million makeup wipes a day being thrown into the bin! And if you thought their damage stops there, you’re sadly mistaken. Makeup remover wipes are actually made using plastic fibres 🤯 so when flushed or thrown away, they can leak tiny micro-plastics into our waterways and oceans, Scientists have already found these micro-plastics in over 140 ocean species, including the ones we eat.

It’s not just makeup remover wipes that are bad news either! Hygiene wipes, baby wipes and antibacterial wipes ALL have harmful impacts on the environment, especially supposed ‘flushable wipes’ which have a huge impact on sewage systems and wastewater treatment plants not to mention the pipes they clog up and break down.

Does makeup pollute the environment?

The Problems With Traditional Makeup – If you wear makeup regularly, start by researching the brands and companies you use every day. Some cosmetic brands have made important steps toward becoming greener and reducing their impact on the environment. Among the most sustainable beauty brands today are REN, Aveda, Lush, Herbivore, and Giorgio Armani.

If the cosmetic brands you use are not promoting sustainability and are not openly talking about their ethical efforts, you might want to think twice before buying them.
Meanwhile, some brands will go above and beyond to appear “natural” and sustainable.
In most cases, however, it is nothing more than a creative marketing technique, also known as greenwashing,

Doing your research is essential. Common issues with traditional makeup include waste, product contamination, and harmful ingredients. Not only can these issues impact the planet, but they can also be detrimental to your well-being, causing everything from skin irritation to more serious health issues.

For example, some cosmetic companies still use formaldehyde in their products, which is a widely-known carcinogen.
You should also check the expiration dates of all of your cosmetics.
Expired makeup can cause skin problems, and might even irritate your eyes – which can become dangerous, especially if you recently had something like laser eye (LASIK) surgery since the area is typically sensitive to certain chemicals and substances.

You might also like: How to Live a More Sustainable Life in 2023

What can I do with old foundation?

For these reasons (among many others), we’ve rounded up some great ways to stretch your foundation further. Check out some of our favorite uses for the product below, and let us know how you repurpose your own foundation in the comments section below. Eye Primer: There’s nothing worse than having your eyeshadow crease and slide around on your eyelids after you’ve spent a good portion of your morning applying it.

Dust a bit of powder over the foundation before you apply the eyeshadow as well for added protection.
MORE: 5 Reasons Your Foundation Isn’t a Perfect Fit Lip Primer: Similar to the tip above, after you moisture your lips with a bit of balm or an exfoliating lip scrub, tap some foundation onto your lips before you apply your lip color.