Have you ever tried recycling your empty beauty containers? There are so many bits and pieces made of different materials, it seems kind of impossible to get makeup recycling right.
Or did you make the fateful mistake of tossing it in the recycle bin and hoping for the best? There’s a name for that. Did you know? The act of putting something in the recycle bin is called “wishcycling.” Are you a wishcycler???
Truth be told, with everything related to recycling, if you aren’t sure (and I mean SURE) that it’s recyclable in your bin, it’s best to toss it in the trash. The wrong items can actually hurt the recycling process. All part of learning to live sustainably!
Makeup Recycling
So. Is makeup recycling difficult? Actually no. It takes a tiny bit of work but not that much. And for how serious our trash problem is and how much the environment is being affected, it’s REALLY EASY!!
There are two simple programs that do makeup recycling – one is a mail-in and one is in store!
Mail-In Makeup Recycling
If you prefer the mail-in method, then check out Terracycle! Terracycle is an international company working to get more things recycled than sent to landfills.
For the most part, companies partner with Terracycle to create recycling programs for their products. While the companies have to pay for this (and not all programs through Terracycle are free), there is a free program for makeup empties.
Garnier has partnered with Terracycle to pay for the shipping and proper recycling of beauty products.
Request the bag and toss your empties in there. The bag is sizeable, so you can team up with friends and family to fill the bag!
These Terracycle programs do also have local collection sites. Here in Sacramento, Refill Madness has a bin for all your empties.
In order to recycle the makeup containers, make sure all of the product is removed. It doesn’t need to be washed, but it does need to by emptied as best you can!
In-Person Makeup Recycling Drop Off
Prefer to drop it off? Or spend a good chunk of time at Nordstrom stores (you know I love Nordstrom)?!
Nordstrom also partnered with TerraCycle to create their BEAUTYCYCLE program! Every Nordstrom store and Local location has a drop off for all beauty containers – not just what they sell and not just clean beauty.
The program accepts empty bottles, tubes, and caps from shampoo, conditioner, and styling products; empty bottles, tubes, and dispensers from cleansers, toners, and moisturizers; empty tubes, tubs, pans, palettes, and twist-up containers from all cosmetics; as well as trial-size tubes and vials, excluding perfume.
Whew! At our local Nordstrom, the BEAUTYCYCLE drop is by the beauty department, tucked over by the nail bar!
Other Recycling Intel
Want more helpful tips and programs for properly recycling??? This page is constantly updated with new and useful recycling information!
Or you can start here:
Just want the recycling basics for at home use?
Wondering about recycling household goods like batteries, light bulbs, and electronics?
There are also great programs for recycling and donating bras and undies as well as what to do with those old clothes that aren’t good enough to donate locally!
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