Cosmetics Recycling: How To Recycle Your Beauty Products the Right Way
Confused about what cosmetics recycling actually means? We’re breaking down why it matters and how to do it simply, sustainably, and without the faff.
Cosmetics recycling hasn’t always been the easiest thing to get your head around. From plastic pumps to mirrored compacts, the beauty industry is constantly evolving their packaging to stand out from their competitors, and create designs that looks too pretty to toss. This definitely makes it way too complicated for us to recycle. However, as conversations around sustainability continue to grow, there’s a noticeable shift happening in recycling our cosmetics, and it’s one we’re fully supporting.
At Face the Future, we believe skincare and cosmetics should make you feel good while doing good. That’s why we’re actively working towards a more sustainable future. We’ve made real changes behind the scenes (and in your parcels) to support more conscious consumption, including smarter packaging and carbon offsetting at checkout.
Cosmetics recycling isn’t about getting things perfect right now. But where we can generate awareness, educate and progress towards making better choices that benefit both your skin and our planet, that's a positive step in the right direction.
Why Is Cosmetics Recycling Such a Challenge?
It’s a fair question. Why is recycling a face cream container more difficult than a milk bottle? The answer lies in the materials. Beauty packaging often combines plastic, glass, rubber and metal in one item, making it harder for traditional recycling centres to process.
Then there’s the size. Small items like eyeliner pencils, lipsticks and eyeshadow pans can slip through the cracks (literally) on recycling conveyor belts. On top of that, leftover product inside containers can contaminate entire batches of recycling, making them unviable.
Nevertheless, cosmetics recycling is getting better. Brands, retailers and third-party platforms are stepping up with take-back schemes, and recyclable formats that makes it easier than ever to recycle your beauty routine. You just need to know where to start...
What Parts Of Beauty Packaging Can Be Recycled?
Glass bottles and jars
Typically used for cleansers, serums and balms. Rinse thoroughly and pop them in your usual glass bin. Watch out for rubber droppers and plastic lids, which need removing.
Plastic tubes and bottles
Check for a recycling triangle with a number. 1, 2 or 5 are most widely accepted. Pumps, caps and applicators often need to go in general waste unless stated otherwise.
Aluminium tins and tubes
Fully recyclable when clean. These are a great low-waste option. Flatten tubes where possible to reduce volume.
Makeup palettes, compacts and mirrored products
Often made from mixed materials, so they're not kerbside recyclable friendly. Look for schemes like Terracycle that accept them.
Small items like mascara, lipstick, eyeliner
Not suitable for regular household recycling. Collect and return through specialist makeup recycling initiatives.
When in doubt, most beauty packaging offers guidance on how to correctly dispose of your product. If you’re still unsure, explore our guide on How To Recycling Beauty Products. We break down exactly what can (and can’t) be recycled and how to get into better beauty habits.
Where Can I Recycle Cosmetics In The UK?
Terracycle’s Beauty & Personal Care Recycling Programme
To make your cosmetics recycling more acceptable, Terracycle's scheme is accepted at hundreds of stores including Boots, Tesco and Superdrug, allowing you to drop off hard-to-recycle items from any brand.
5 Easy Habits For Better Cosmetics Recycling
Recycling your beauty products doesn't need to be all-or-nothing. Here are five habits that make a great difference:
- Rinse empties before recycling to avoid contamination.
- Remove lids, pumps and droppers, and check if they can be recycled separately.
- Collect hard-to-recycle items like mascara and lipstick for specialist schemes.
- Support refillable packaging, it reduces the need for single-use containers altogether.
- Be mindful of purchases. Less waste starts with fewer, better-chosen products.
What is Face the Future Doing to Support Sustainability?
Protecting our planet is built into everything we do. Here’s a quick snapshot of our sustainability strategy:
- We challenge our suppliers on their sustainability agenda.
- We use eco-conscious packaging that’s easy to recycle or biodegrade.
- We’re working towards 100% recyclable packaging and inserts.
- Our warehouse operates with dedicated recycling bins to reduce waste.
- We minimise travel by using technology to connect with our community and partners.
- We support carbon offset projects globally through our EcoCart partnership, so you can choose to make your order carbon neutral at checkout.
EcoCart in action: In the first 12 weeks of switching to Ranpak paper instead of bubble wrap, we saved enough energy to charge 81,874 smartphones or drive 1,593 miles.
"Our ethos centres around meeting the needs of our customers without compromising the planet for future generations. We believe that everyone has a role to play and therefore we pledge to continually review."
- Julia Co-Owner & Director
Cosmetics Recycling: Your Next Steps Forward
Cosmetics recycling is a practical way to reduce your footprint and build a routine that’s just as kind to our planet as it is to your skin. And remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Every step towards a lower-waste lifestyle is a win.
We’re here to help you make those steps in recycling your cosmetics feel easier. From our recyclable packaging, carbon offset options, and partnerships with like-minded brands, we’re on this journey with you.
Shop Botanical Beauty
Eminence Organic Clear Skin Probiotic Cleanser available from Face the Future. Eminence Organic Skincare products are free of parabens, animal by-products, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfates, harmful colourants and fragrances, mineral oils, petroleum and other...
Want to find out more about the moves we're making to become more sustainable? Click here to see how we've protected our planet so far.
