Have you ever wondered if you can recycle the plastic bottles that make up your foundation?
I recently found out that you can recycle foundation bottles, but the process can be a little tricky. Read on to learn more about recycling foundation bottles.
Can foundation bottles be recycled?
Yes, you can recycle your foundation bottles. This is true for any bottle that has a pump. Just remove the pump and place it in the recycling bin. The container can be recycled as well. Consider this your cue to replace those old foundation bottles with eco-friendly ones!
Treatment of high-end cosmetics like makeup and skincare products is another matter entirely.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has not established industry standards for recycling cosmetics, so your local waste management district may have strict rules about what they collect and what they don’t.
Every landfill has its own set of rules for disposing of trash, but most will not accept any liquid or gel products in their standard trash bins.
Regardless of whether you live in a rural area or an urban one, your best bet is to drop off your empty foundation bottles at a drugstore or supermarket that offers a makeup counter for after-sale consultation and replacement purchase.
How to properly recycle your foundation bottles
The process of recycling your foundation bottles can be confusing and time-consuming.
To help you properly recycle your bottles, here is a quick guide on the proper steps to take when recycling them.
Step 1: Take the top of the bottle off.
Step 2: Put the cap back on and wash it out.
Step 3: Put a little bit of water in the bottle. Add in two tablespoons of laundry detergent. Put the cap back on and shake the bottle up.
Step 4: Let the bottle sit for 12-24 hours. The longer you let it sit, the better.
Step 5: Wash out this mixture and rinse it clean with cold water.
Step 6: Make sure that there is no residue left on the bottle or cap before putting a new top on it and recycling it!
How to properly dispose of your foundation bottles
Foundation bottles come in many shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common – they’re not supposed to be thrown out with the regular garbage.
Tossing your empty foundation bottle into the trash can pollute waterways, groundwater, and soil if they aren’t properly disposed of So what should consumers do instead?
Here are a few tips to help you dispose of your foundation bottles responsibly:
The first step is to remove any leftovers from the bottle. Whether it’s lotion, serum, or makeup remover, take a moment to clean out the container before recycling it.
Next, look for a recycling bin for plastic bottles and jugs. Many communities offer such bins for free at local convenience stores.
Some also accept these containers at local county recycling centers If you aren’t able to find a plastic bottle/jug recycling bin nearby, you can also take your empty foundation container to a store that sells similar products.
Companies like Walmart and Target will often accept used beauty products for recycling. Some retailers may even give you a discount on your next purchase if you bring in an empty beauty product.
Plastic containers that have never held makeup or other types of liquids shouldn’t be recycled through traditional channels. Instead, toss them in the trash.
What can you do with old foundation bottles?
Tossing out perfectly good bottles is a waste, especially when they can be transformed into cute and useful household items.
Here are 9 ideas for repurposing your old foundation bottles.
1. Use it to hold cotton balls or Q-tips.
2. Use it to hold any type of creams, such as hand cream or foot cream.
3. Fill it up with oatmeal and use it as an exfoliating face mask.
4. Fill it up with salt and use it to exfoliate the skin.
5. Fill it up with Epsom salt and use it to bath.
6. Fill it up with baking soda and use it to bath.
7. Fill a few of them up with essential oils and place them around your house to make your place smell wonderful!.
8. Use these bottles as nail polish remover (acetone-based) dispensers because they are small in size and don’t take up too much room on your vanity top.
9. You can also fill one of these bottles with water and keep them in strategic areas around the house for easy access when you need to hydrate yourself throughout the day (i.e kitchen, bathroom, bedroom…etc).
How do you get the last bit of foundation out of a bottle?
Foundation is probably the most expensive makeup item you’re going to buy, so when you run out, you want to make sure that you get every last drop.
The chances are that you’re not using up your foundation as quickly as you could be.
You don’t need a lot of it to cover your face, and there’s always a bit left in the bottle. Even if it’s not much, it adds up to wasted money.
Here are some tips on how to get the last bit of foundation out of a bottle:
1. Try filling the container with hot water and shaking it vigorously for a few minutes.
2. Place some tissue paper or a cotton pad over the opening.
3. Lightly squeeze the bottle top.
4. Apply pressure to the sides of the container.
5. Turn the container upside down and gently press it against your hand.
6. After turning it upside down and gently pressing it against your hand, try to pump some more foundation out.
7. Use a tissue or cotton pad to apply even pressure on all sides of the bottle.
8. Put your finger over one end of the tube and turn it vertically and then horizontally in order to get all of the makeup out.
9. Place an open jar or glass over the opening, making sure that its edges are slightly above those of your bottle.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best option for recycling plastic bottles is to bring it back to the supermarket or store where you bought them.
In general, stores will recycle your plastic for you for free, although if you don’t have a car, this may not be feasible as day-to-day life can get in the way.
If recycling facilities are available in your area, they will transfer the bottle to a recycling center so that it can be melted down and reused.
