Recycling of cosmetics

Recycling of cosmetics is easier when you always use the product. Getty Images

Recycling of cosmetics is easy once the cosmetics packaging is used up. If the product is not suitable for you or for some other reason you cannot use it yourself, Donate it to a friend, for example.

However, it is worth noting that not all cosmetic products are suitable for distribution. For hygiene reasons, certain products, such as mascara, should always be kept personal.

Cardboard shopping packaging

Cardboard shopping packaging is easy to recycle, as it can be sorted for cardboard collection like other household cardboard waste. Remember to flatten the carton before recycling.

Plastic jars, bottles and tubes

Quite a lot of cosmetics come in plastic packaging. Plastic packaging can be sorted for plastic collection if the packaging is clean. It is important to rinse plastic containers with cold water before recycling. Remove all loose parts, such as caps and lids, and collect them separately.

If the packaging is still dirty after rinsing, it must be disposed of with mixed waste.

Aerosols or pressure sprays

Hairsprays, styling mousses, dry shampoos, and many other hair products are typically in pressure packs. In addition to this, some sunscreens or deodorants also come in aerosol cans.

If there is no buzzing inside the package or no noise is heard when the valve knob is pressed, and no propellant or any substance comes out, the package can be sorted for plastic and metal collection. All plastic parts, such as the packaging cap, go to plastic collection. The packaging itself goes to small metal collection.

If the product is still left in the bottle, the packaging must be sorted for hazardous waste. Please note that if placed in the wrong place, these products may cause special damage to health or the environment.

You can take your hazardous waste at your home to Sortti stations or to a hazardous waste collection point free of charge.

Cosmetics

Lipstick, lip balm, body lotion, makeup, make-up cream, mascara, shampoo, sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen, lotion, foundation, powder, talc, blush, makeup, make-up remover and hair conditioner

For plastic collection, you can sort empty and clean packaging, eyeshadow packaging, make-up cream tubes and mirrorless powder boxes. Mirror boxes must be sorted for mixed waste.

Make-up sponges and brushes

Make-up sponges and brushes are sorted into mixed waste.

Nail polishes, perfumes and aftershaves are hazardous waste

Nail polishes, nail polish removers, perfume, aftershave and other alcoholic substances are hazardous waste and must be taken to a hazardous waste reception.

Mirrors, glass bottles and glass jars

Mirrors are sorted into mixed waste.

It is important to consider the color of the glass jar or bottle. This is because glass cosmetic packaging can only be recycled for glass collection if it is clear glass. Be sure to remove the lids and caps from the jar. Labels are allowed to remain in place.

Glass bottles and glass jars often used in cosmetics are colored, and in this case they are sorted into mixed waste.

Metals

Tweezers, nail clippers, eyelash curlers and metal nail files go to metal collection.

Jars of a melting pot

Quite a number of domestic companies currently prefer the cosmetic packaging manufactured by Sulapac. They are completely biodegradable and micro-plastic-free, as this Finnish innovation is made from wood and natural binders. After use, the jars of Sulapac can be disposed of in compost, mixed waste or a fireplace.

Sources: HSY Waste Guide, Cosmetics and Hygiene Industry Association, Sulapac