Where does this go? Here’s our advice on how to recycle cosmetics packaging correctly

What goes where?

Recycling isn’t rocket science. The information on the packaging will help you out a lot. You’ll know that the packaging is recyclable if it has a triangle-shaped symbol formed by three chasing arrows. The numbers or letters inside it help you identify the type of material, and therefore the correct bin. Or you can refer to our guide. 

These are easy to recycle:

• Shower gels, shampoos, body lotions and hand creams usually come in plastic packaging, so you’ll know what to do with those – throw them in a recycling bin for plastic waste.
• Perfumes with glass bottles go in glass recycling bins. The cap should be recycled according to its material (metal, plastic). You don’t have to worry about the dispenser and other parts made of different materials; they will be taken care of further down the line during the recycling process.
• Glass packaging from creams and foundation belongs in glass recycling bins.
• Deodorants and antiperspirants come in plastic or glass packaging, which makes recycling them straightforward. Roll-ons belong in recycling bins for plastic waste. Ones with aluminium packaging go into metal recycling bins, but make sure they’re completely empty!

Here’s where you’ll have to put in some work:

• Powders, blushers and bronzers are usually packaged in plastic, but not exclusively. The catch is in the mirrors, which can’t be recycled, but you can carefully take them out. And you can do the same with the metal pieces.
• Toothpaste tubes come in plastic or metal packaging, leaving no room for doubt. But some packaging combines both of those materials and belongs in mixed waste.
• Nail polish bottles can be thrown in the glass recycling bin (without the cap and brush), but only if you manage to empty them out completely.

This belongs in mixed waste:

• Packaging from mascaras, lipsticks or retractable eye pencils usually has to go in mixed waste, as it’s difficult to use up every last bit of the product. Lipstick caps, for example, can be an exception.
• Makeup remover pads and wipes are also not recyclable.
• Even makeup brushes belong in mixed waste.
• Razors are made of various materials and there’s also a risk of injury when handling them, which is why they can’t be recycled.

Bottoms up 

Recycling like a pro takes a bit of work. The most common mistake is when residual product is left in the packaging. “As a general rule, packaging doesn’t need to be rinsed. It just needs to be completely empty,” says Radim Dvořáček from the online magazine samosebou.cz, adding: “Perhaps only when it comes to creams, it’s a good idea to wipe the residual product with a paper towel, for example.” 

So an ideal scenario would be to use every last drop of every beauty product. To achieve this, you can even cut the plastic tube in half and use all of the residue. You’ll be surprised by how much toothpaste or hand cream you can still get out. If you didn’t get the chance to use the product up in time and it has changed its consistency, pour the residual product into a bag and dispose of it in mixed waste. Be careful when it comes to greasy product residue, as that can be a problem. 

Is it worth it?

This may have been the question you’ve asked yourself while holding a piece of small protective aluminium packaging from a cream tube. What does the expert say? “Recycling packaging is always worth it. Especially if it is made of a uniform material. It’s a good idea to collect smaller pieces of aluminium packaging, and once you have more of it, crumple it up into a larger ball at least five centimetres in diameter in order to recycle it,” explains Radim Dvořáček. Instances where it really isn’t worth it is when the packaging has residual product inside or is composed of several different materials. 

Be even more eco-friendly

What’s better than recycling waste correctly? Not creating any. Or at least choosing products in packaging that is easy to recycle. Try thinking about it while you are shopping. How about switching your shower gel for bar soap, which you can buy as it is without the plastic tube? Instead of non-recyclable disposable razors, use ones with replaceable blades that will last you a lifetime. And ditch your makeup remover pads and wipes for good, switching them for reusable alternatives. 

We hope that we’ve helped you understand how to recycle cosmetic products in an attempt to help the planet together. Where will you start?