

If it’s lipstick or mascara - any tube, really - that will most likely end up in the landfill. But first, remember to wash them clean and empty any product left into a sealed container for the trash. Since my city accepts all plastics besides cling wrap, straws and utensils, I can recycle my palettes and compacts, etc.

They have a clear list, with pictures, of what can be recycled and what cannot. Since I live in San Diego, I went to the city website and looked for the recycle program. Once you’ve tried every option to make sure your palette or compact doesn’t make it to a facility, find out what is accepted for recycling near you.

If that’s not something you want to try, go online and offer the containers to someone who might be making their own.
#Where to recycle empty makeup containers how to#
There are so many YouTube videos on how to make your own makeup from things already in your kitchen. Clean out the product responsibly (scoop product into a sealed container to throw it away so no chemicals from the makeup are seeped into the trash) and then sanitize it to be reused again. If you can’t find any buy-back option, try reusing the container. I think it’s every company’s responsibility to have a plan for their product through the end of its life, and not just when it leaves the store. If your brand isn’t on the list, contact their offices and ask if they have started one or what they will do about their waste. I suggest checking out this article for a quick rundown on companies that we know of that do have a program. If the products are definitely used or empty, check to see if that brand has a recycling program. Bringing someone else a little bit of happiness in the process is always a win. Most of them will take your makeup items, sanitize them, and hand them out to women who otherwise wouldn’t be able to purchase them. If these items are gently used or not used at all, look up your local women’s shelter. Whatever the case may be, we all have those items that we keep around for some reason. Maybe you stole it from your mom in high school, maybe it came as a freebie when you bought something you actually wanted, or maybe it’s been five years and you realized that bronzer is not the same as foundation. Start with that old makeup at the back of the drawer or the bottom of the bag. In order to have a clean and safe makeup collection, you need to keep up to date on everything in it. I’m not just talking empties make sure you check expiration dates and color-match everything. To figure out what you want to recycle, you’re going to need to figure out what you don’t want anymore. Empty out every bag, drawer, suitcase and purse - I mean everything. You can make a difference every day, and remember every purchase is a vote for a better environment.īefore we get started, I want to suggest that you purge all your makeup first. If you still have questions after reading the article, please get on the phone. Every company and recycling center I talked to was more than helpful and actually eager to talk to someone who cared. So what do you do if you want to be eco-friendly and also beautiful? I wanted to find out how to buy makeup that wasn’t bad for the environment and what I was supposed to do with it after I was done, so I went online and started asking questions.
