Recycling, we’re into it. But are we doing it right? Learn how to recycle your fragrance and beauty products.
EDITED: 23/09/2020. It’s National Recycle Week, so if you don’t recycle already, then now is a good time to start. We don’t need to mention the elephant in every room which is the fact that the planet is being destroyed and that in doing this we are letting down the greatest gift to our world that is David Attenborough. This year has prominently shown us that we, as a nation, as a world, and as individuals, need to be serious about looking after the the planet we live on. So, if you aren’t already on top of how to organise your beauty waste, then you really should think about doing so. If you lack knowledge on what goes where, or what can and can’t be recycled, then we’re here to help with how to recycle your fragrance and beauty products.
PLASTIC BOTTLES
RECYCLABLE? YES
The bottles that your shampoo and conditioners come in are very much recyclable, but only as long as they’re empty. You need to clean them out so that any remains of product are gone. If you have any of the product left that you aren’t planning on using, don’t pour them down the sink. Instead, simply empty them into your normal bin.
BOTTLE PUMPS
RECYCLABLE? NO
Unfortunately, if those shampoo and conditioner bottles have pump lids, they cannot be recycled, these will need to go into your normal bin. This also goes for any pumps that come on foundations, primers, or any other beauty products that you’re pumping out!
CAN YOU RECYCLE AEROSOL?
RECYCLABLE? YES
This is one question that always surprises us. Your deodorant and hairspray cans can, in fact, be recycled. They’re generally made from steel or aluminium, which is widely recycled, but you need to make sure you’ve used them all up and taken the lids off of them. You can recycle these using most household collection schemes, so be sure not to throw these out!
GLASS JARS
RECYCLABLE? YES
Yes, yes, yes. Glass jars that have stored the likes of foundation can definitely be recycled. Just make sure they’ve been emptied and cleaned out, then they’re good to go in your recycling bin.
COTTON PADS
RECYCLABLE? NO
While cotton pads aren’t as bad as cosmetic wipes (which have come under a lot of scrutiny in recent years), cotton pads still can’t be recycled. They can however be composted with the rest of your kitchen waste, which we see as a good thing.
MASCARAS, LIPSTICKS & PALETTES
RECYCLABLE? YES
Okay, so these are interesting and potentially a little difficult, but hey, who said saving the planet was going to be easy? While you can’t throw them in your usual recycling bin, TerraCycle and Garnier have started a beauty recycling programme that allows you to take any packaging that can’t be recycled normally, and they’ll do it all for you.
HAIR TOOLS
RECYCLABLE? YES
They’re not actually recyclable, as in, you can’t put them in your recycling bin. You can however, take them to a charity shop if they’re still in full working order. If they’re broken you can take them to a specific recycling centre and you can find your nearest one here.
FRAGRANCE & NAIL POLISH BOTTLES
RECYCLABLE? NO
Unfortunately, these can’t be recycled and need to be put into your normal bin. However, there are some changes you can make in order to help this cause. Brands such as Mugler offer refillable versions of some of their fragrances. You can find the range of refillable bottles right here at The Fragrance Shop.
BUT I CAN RECYCLE MY MAKEUP BRUSHES, RIGHT?
RECYCLABLE? NO
Makeup brushes also can’t be recycled and should be put in your normal bin, unless they state otherwise. Lots of brands are getting eco-friendly and therefore creating products that can be reused. However, unless specified, they do just need to be binned.
