How to recycle your beauty products

If your product doesn’t come in a refillable plastic bottle, like a shower gel or shampoo for example, it can still be recycled. Make sure you’ve used it all and given the bottle a clean out. Put it in your normal recycling bin along with the lid. If it has a pump dispenser or a trigger these will have to be detached and thrown out in your normal bin.

Aerosols can usually be recycled, just make sure it is completely empty before you put it in your normal recycling bin.

Most makeup items like mascara, eyeshadow and powder compacts are too complicated to recycle as they contain different types of plastics. Terracycle have drop off points all over the country to recycle your old makeup, use this map to find one nearest to you. Check out our vegan beauty products to mix up your routine. 

Visit map

Glass perfume bottles and fancy face creams look lovely on your dressing table but what do you do when you’ve finished them? It’s good news - your normal recycling should accept anything in a glass bottle or jar! Again, make sure you’ve emptied it out completely and if it comes with a pump or spray – this part is thrown out with your normal bin.

Relaxing with a face mask can feel like just the tonic after a busy day, but if you use a sheet mask these can’t be recycled with your normal household recycling. Use the above link to find your nearest Terracycle drop off point.

Although nail varnish often comes in a glass bottle, these can’t currently be recycled, throw them in your normal waste bin instead.

So many brands are becoming aware of the impact they have on the environment so it is becoming easier and easier to use the products we love or to shop for conscious buying alternatives. At LloydsPharmacy using sustainable products doesn’t have to cost the earth, with our Shop kind range, we have something for everyone.