You just got new makeup, rather it be, new lipstick, mascara, foundation, you name it! You instantly want to try it on once at your home to see how nice it’ll look on you. But wait… what about your old makeup? What do you do with it? Throw it away? Wait til it’s done? Or simply leave it on a back shelf? If you're not sure you’ve come to the right place!

Here you will find out all the alternatives to properly disposing your makeup or simply safely getting rid of it. 

Before we jump into ways to dispose of your makeup let’s start with how it can not only impact us humans but the environment. Makeup is filled with many chemicals that cannot be easily cleaned up when it comes to landfill sites nor waste management in water. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) including cosmetics can get into our water system and stick around. This can cause harm to us humans as we intake water and use it on a daily basis. Causing harm to our human physiology. PPCPs can seep from landfills which can be safe for us humans but still has an impact on the planet. So it is recommended to check the packaging to see if it is recyclable, biodegradable, non-toxic, and contains sustainable ingredients.

So while it is “better” to buy eco-friendly products we should also look at makeup the same way. Luckily now we have a variety of skincare and beauty products that are gradually switching to a more healthier alternative for the planet. The more sustainable a product is, the easier it will be to dispose of it. 

Recycling options

Let’s begin with the basic alternatives when it comes to makeup disposals. Certain stores do allow for us to return our empty containers. These stores are listed below: 

• Aveda

• Everyday Minerals

• Kiehl’s 

• LUSH (only branded packaging)

• MAC

• Origins

• Bareminerals 

• Innisfree

• Glow Recipe

• Amika

• Josie Maran

• Bliss

• Zoya (only on earth day)

• Lilah B.

• Burt’s bee

• EOS

• L'Occitane

There are also excellent recycling programs such as TerraCycle (partnered with L’Oreal, L’Occitane, and Garnier. In addition, in the US TerraCycle has partnered with Ulta in their waste-free packaging program called Loop.  Other programs are Appalachian Wild.org, Gillette & Venus Razors, LimeLife by Alcone, Malin + Goetz, and P&G Soft Packs (Dawn, Old Spice, Olay). 

Now if you still have product left in the container it is perfectly okay! Here are some tips and alternatives you can do to safely get rid of makeup waste. 

1. Donate them to women’s shelters.

   This can be a great way as you are helping someone who might want makeup, because makeup is for anyone and everyone. 

2. Donate them to morgues.

   Yes, that is right! Morgues are a great way to get rid of makeup especially if it is expired. They can be used for people who have passed to prepare them for viewings. Actually did you know makeup can come at an expensive expense? So by donating your makeup you can help them save on costs while also helping those families whom lost a loved one. 

   Now if you have other products aside from makeup like skincare, body lotions, etc. Project Beauty Share is a charitable organization that accepts gently used items and gives them to women-in-need.

Now for the more difficult items. Most cosmetic packagings are made from glass and polypropylene, and even plastic #5 which makes them more prone to recycling in most areas. However, please make sure they are empty and cleaned out before tossing them in the bins. Moreover, if you have half-empty bottles of makeup, remember: do not rinse or dump them. Wipe them clean instead or place them in a sealable plastic bag.