You probably spent a lot of time when it came to hunting out the best make-up for older women, but when it comes to how to recycle beauty products, things can get a little confusing.
We all want to be more eco-friendly and most of us are now pretty good at recycling in the kitchen. But when it comes to the products in our bathroom cabinet, sometimes it can be tricky to know what goes in the recycling bin and what we're meant to be doing with our much-loved beauty products.
Luckily the recycling experts at WRAP have some handy advice to help.
What beauty products should I be recycling?
Here are the top 10 easy recycling wins lurking in your bathroom cabinet:
• Glass face cream pots (plus the cardboard packaging it comes in)
• Perfume and aftershave bottles
• Plastic shampoo, conditioner and shower gel bottles
• Plastic moisturiser bottles such as hand cream and body lotion
• Aerosol deodorant cans
• Cardboard gift set boxes (just remove any plastic windows first)
Hair dye and fake tan cardboard boxes
• Cardboard packaging for your make-up such as lipstick, foundation & bronzer
• Plastic soap dispensers (remove the pump and put it in the bin)
• Aerosol hairspray cans
How to recycle beauty products
The recyclability of beauty products depends on the materials used in their packaging and the recycling facilities available in your area. Here are some general guidelines...
Check the packaging
Look for recycling symbols on the packaging. Most beauty products come in containers made of materials like plastic, glass, or metal. The recycling symbol usually indicates the type of material and whether it can be recycled.
Empty and clean
Before recycling, make sure the product container is empty and clean. Rinse out any remaining product to prevent contamination of recycling streams.
Separate components
Some beauty products have multiple components, such as pumps, caps, and bottles. If possible, disassemble and separate these parts for recycling. Different materials may need to be recycled through separate streams.
Product-specific guidelines
Some beauty products, especially those containing hazardous materials, may have specific disposal guidelines. Check the product label or the brand's website for any special instructions.
Local recycling rules
Recycling facilities vary by location, and local rules may differ. Check with your local recycling program or municipality to understand their guidelines. Some areas may accept certain types of plastic or glass but not others.
Recycle Now’s handy online Recycling Locator allows you to find out exactly what and how you can recycle in your home and nearby where you live.
Terracycle
Terracycle is a company that partners with brands to recycle difficult-to-recycle materials. Some beauty brands participate in Terracycle programs, allowing you to send back empty containers for recycling. Check if the brand of your beauty product is part of such a program.
Reduce and reuse
Whenever possible, consider reducing your beauty product consumption or reusing containers. Some brands offer refill options, allowing you to replenish your products without generating additional packaging waste.
**Pick smart
**
Where possible, try to select eco-friendly products to fill up your beauty cupboard. There are options for eco-friendly moisturisers, hair removal products and many more while certain products offer refill services.
Brands like Ren, The Humble Co., Inika, Evolve Organic Beauty, Dr. Hauschka, Green People, Kjaer Weis, Neal’s Yard Remedies and Floral Street are some of our favourite brands that are trying to make a positive impact on the environment.
Can you recycle half-empty beauty products?
It's always recommended to finish beauty products before moving on to another product but if you just aren't getting on with the product, where possible and if hygienic, look at gifting it to a friend or family member.
Fast facts about recycling beauty products
• If every UK household recycled one lipstick box, stood end to end they would reach Paris and back over three times!
• Recycling one hair dye box saves enough energy to power a hairdryer for at least two minutes
• Recycling one perfume bottle box saves enough energy to charge two tablets
• Recycling one plastic hair care spray bottle saves enough energy to power a juicer for two minutes every day, for a week.
• If every household in Manchester recycled one plastic face cream pot, stacked end to end they would reach once around the M60.
• If every Welsh household recycled a nail polish box, stacked end to end they would be as tall as 270 Eiffel Towers!
For more great tips for recycling all around your home visit www.recyclenow.com
Features & Reviews Editor Emily Gilbert has been a journalist since 2015 and has worked across a variety of specialist and lifestyle brands both in print and online. Specialising in travel content and product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases, her favourite being gadgets for the home.