Verified Methods for Recycling Cosmetics
The best thing we can do: shop wisely for products in sustainable packaging and then recycle. Read on for facts and tips to help you navigate the confusing and sometimes complicated world of beauty recycling!
1. Mixed materials are not recyclable
The average palette or package is created by layering and joining multiple materials (plastic, paper and metal). Even if some of these individual materials are recyclable on their own, it is impossible to recycle them when combined. Different companies collect each raw material (metal, plastic, paper, etc.). It is not possible to separate layered materials without highly specialised machinery, which most facilities do not have. These items therefore go straight to landfill.
Your most sustainable option: avoid combined packaging.
2. Separate different materials
Even if all the individual components of an item are recyclable, unless they are disassembled before they reach the recycling facility, they end up in landfill. Components must be separated down to their recyclable parts.
3. Clean, thoroughly wash and dry cosmetic packaging.
When placed in municipal waste, packaging must be 95% uncontaminated.
4. Magnets are never recyclable
Magnets are the curse of beauty sustainability. It's definitely a good idea to keep your compacts and palettes closed, but they are incredibly dangerous for the environment and local communities. What's more, they are never recyclable. Magnets are made from 'rare earth' elements and are processed with impressive carcinogenic toxins. These harmful chemicals often accumulate in local waterways, endangering people, wildlife and polluting the environment.
5. Pumps are difficult to recycle
Most cosmetic pumps are made from multiple types of plastic that are almost impossible to separate without specialised industrial equipment. Another one of those wonderfully convenient, yet deeply wasteful cosmetic items.
6. Mirrors are never recyclable
Mirrors are made by applying a non-recyclable reflective coating to glass. This coating makes it almost impossible to recycle the glass. And let's be honest, we're probably going to use our products in front of a mirror anyway! We could live more sustainably without small mirrors.
7. Applicators are difficult to recycle
Most applicators, such as lip gloss or mascara, are made from non-recyclable mixed materials. To reduce waste, choose products without applicators or those with recyclable applicators!
8. Not all plastics are recyclable.
All plastics are marked with a number from 1 to 7, usually on the bottom of the container. These numbers indicate the item's recyclability. Look for the numbers and try to choose easily recyclable options when you can't avoid buying plastics altogether:
Always recyclable
PETE No. 1 (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
HDPE No. 2 (High-Density Polyethylene)
Non-recyclable
No. 3 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
No. 4 LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
No. 6 PS (Polystyrene)
No. 7 (Other)
Sometimes recyclable
#5 PP (polypropylene) Some cities and recycling programs accept No. 5 plastics.