How to Recycle Makeup and Other Beauty Products

Have you ever thought about what happens once you discard your makeup products? While you may not think past cleaning out your makeup bag and tossing your empties in the trash, you really should start paying it more mind. The truth is, you can recycle makeup products or even find new uses for beauty product packaging so that you can maintain a more sustainable beauty routine. If recycling your beauty look must-haves is something you’re interested in, allow us to help. Below, we’re sharing tips to help you reduce, reuse, and recycle makeup and other beauty products the right way.

WHY SHOULD YOU RECYCLE BEAUTY PACKAGING?

While the answer to this question is pretty obvious, recycling your beauty packaging has a greater impact than you might think. Not only is it the responsible thing to do, but it also helps to protect the environment in more ways than one. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators, saves energy, and conserves natural resources such as minerals, timber, and water. It also helps to prevent pollution, which can become a factor if you don’t recycle your beauty packaging properly.

4 TIPS ON HOW TO RECYCLE BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Ready to jump on the recycling bandwagon? We thought you might be! Keep reading for four tips that will help you do just that.

#1: RETURN THE PACKAGING TO THE STORE

Since sustainable packaging has become quite the trend, many stores are getting in on the action by creating programs where they'll take back beauty product empties. If such a program is in place, there’s no need to worry about what should be recycled versus thrown out, just leave it all up to the store. Do keep in mind, however, that you should always clean out your containers properly before returning them.

#2: PUT ONLY RECYCLABLE ITEMS IN YOUR RECYCLING BIN

If you do decide to discard your beauty products on your own, you’ll want to make sure that you send the right packaging out for recycling. Since cosmetic products are made out of various materials, including plastic, not everything will meet the requirements to be recycled in your area. Check with your local community programs to find out the details on what can and can’t be recycled.

#3: RINSE OUT EMPTY CONTAINERS

Speaking of recycling, you should always rinse out your empty compacts and bottles. This helps to prevent chemicals from spreading to other materials, which can keep products from being recycled. Give your items a quick rinse and wipe down, and you should be good to go.

#4: RECYCLE GLASS AND PAPER PACKAGING

Sitting on a huge collection of empties that have glass and paper packaging? Recycling these should be a breeze! Glass and paper are super easy to recycle; you can simply toss your items in the correct bins, and you’re all set.

4 WAYS TO UPCYCLE YOUR BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Instead of recycling your beauty products, you can also upcycle them! Yup, you can put your old makeup and beauty products to use in a whole new way. Here’s how to reuse what you already have.

#1: USE OLD CONTAINERS FOR TRAVEL

We can all agree that finding cute travel-sized containers can be quite the challenge. Instead of throwing your beauty packaging into the recycling bin, why not repurpose them? A great way to get more out of your empty products is to turn them into travel-friendly containers. Think about it: A small face powder container can hold your favorite serums, face creams, cotton pads, and more without any mess!

#2: REPURPOSE A PERFUME BOTTLE AS A VASE

Tired of spending money on new vases? Well, save a few bucks along the way and use large jars and perfume bottles as a home for your flowers. The idea is not only adorable, but a great way to show off your creative side with your home decor. Now that’s what we call a smart way to go green!

#3: CLEAN MASCARA WANDS

Instead of tossing mascara wands when the formula runs dry, clean them off, and you can give them a new place in your beauty routine. Give your spoolie a new life as a brush for your brows or a tool for combing through lash extensions.

#4: SAVE BOTTLES WITH PUMPS AND SPRAYS

Do you have a foundation you love that you really wish had a pump or a face toner that would be so much easier to use in a spray bottle? Hang onto convenient bottles even when the product itself runs out, and you can put them to use by rehoming formulas that are in need of more practical packaging.

Next up: After learning how to recycle (and upcycle) your beauty products, it’s a prime time to reconsider how you store products that aren’t ready to be recycled. Head on over to our article, 10 Makeup Storage Ideas to Get You Organized ASAP, to get your beauty product collection in order.