It’s always been my goal to live a more sustainable life. This means that I like to take care of the environment whenever possible.
When it comes to skincare packaging, that’s where things get challenging. Can skincare packaging be recycled?
Can skincare packaging be recycled?
Yes, many of the containers used for storing skincare products can be recycled. This is thanks to advances in plastics manufacturing over the years that have made them more environmentally friendly. The recycling process can vary depending on what type of plastic it is, but most bottles and tubs can be recycled.
Is beauty packaging recyclable?
Yes, beauty packaging is recyclable. The best thing to do is to check the package. If the packaging has a recycling label, follow the directions on how to recycle the particular product’s packaging. Some plastics are not currently recyclable, however, there are some companies working on making it more recyclable in the future.
There are also many options for upcycling and reusing beauty packaging like using them as storage containers for your bathroom or kitchen items. However, if you have a question about whether or not something is recyclable, call your local recycling center and ask them.
What cosmetic packaging is recyclable?
Good news for those of you who are looking to be environmentally friendly when selecting your cosmetic products.
Most cosmetic packaging is recyclable, so you can keep your favorite products without the guilt.
In fact, some companies are trying to make their products more eco-friendly by using reusable packaging.
Here are some common types of recyclable cosmetic packaging:
- PET (polyethylene terephthalate) – Clear, hard plastic used to make soda and water bottles. Also found in pill vials, shampoo bottles, and food containers.
- HDPE (high-density polyethylene) – Usually opaque; used in milk jugs, detergent and oil bottles, juice, and water containers.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – Soft, clear plastic used in food wrap and plumbing pipes. Look for a recycling number 3 on the bottom of the container.
- PP (polypropylene) – Translucent plastic used for takeout food containers and yogurt tubs.
- PS (polystyrene) – Usually white; used in disposable plates, cups, packing material, and CD cases.
How much cosmetic packaging is recycled?
Experts estimate that about 10 percent of the plastics used in personal care and beauty products are recycled. The rest generally ends up in the waste stream, where it can take hundreds of years to degrade or cause serious damage to the environment.
If you’re an environmentally-minded consumer, there are a few things you can do to make sure your beauty products aren’t adding to the problem of plastic pollution.
The first thing you should do is check out your beauty products’ packaging. Look for “recyclable” labels and colored dots that indicate which materials are recyclable. Recyclable materials include glass, metal, aluminum, paper, and plastic.
If you see a black dot next to the recycling symbol on your product’s container, know that the item isn’t recyclable. The best way to recycle your beauty products is to find a nearby recycling facility that accepts their containers.
If you don’t have access to a facility that accepts these items, then consider reusing them yourself. For example, if you have an empty mascara tube, you can use it as a travel container for pencil eyeliner or other make-up items.
What can you do with empty skincare bottles?
A few years ago, I started saving my empties and found a bunch of cool ways to reuse them. If you’re looking for ways to get creative in recycling your skincare empties, here are 8 ideas!
1. Use it as a nail polish storage container. Stick a flat head screwdriver through the hole to open and close it easily.
2. Use an empty lotion bottle as a mini-basket for cotton balls or Q-tips.
3. Turn it into a candle holder by sticking a candle into the base of the bottle. Add some faux flowers on top for extra cuteness.
4. Turn an empty sunscreen bottle into a ketchup dispenser. Insert chopsticks through the holes to help you push it down when you’re squeezing ketchup out of it!
5. Cut your empty hair conditioner bottle in half and insert a sponge (or two!) inside to make your own DIY blotting sheets. Such an awesome idea!
6. Decorate with them! They make great ornaments/décor items/centerpieces for parties (just add something inside).
7. Treats for pets. Our dog LOVES the smell of coconut oil so I use an old coconut oil jar to store her treats in.
8. Several empty lip balm containers are perfect for storing sewing needles/pins/needles and thread – keep everything together in one place!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to take your game to the next level and “go green”, start by making sure that the packaging of your products is recyclable.
It makes more sense than you might think, and it’s a great way to reduce waste in the long run – not to mention, it’s just the right thing to do.
