The global cosmetics industry produces 120 billion units of packaging every year resulting in 2.7 billion plastic bottles going to landfills yearly. Recycling beauty packaging to avoid waste can be challenging.

Anything that contains mirrors, magnets, makeup brushes, sheet masks and packets as well as squeezable tubes are not recyclable. And small products, like travel sized beauty products, are also not widely accepted at recycling plants.

If you’re interested in being more environmentally friendly with the recycling of your beauty items you have two options. Look to refillables. Many brands like NATURA, Diptyque and Bathing Cure allow you to reuse the packaging over and over. Or several eco-conscious brands offer internal recycling programs. Nordstrom for BEAUTYCYCLE offers a free program that invites consumers to drop-off beauty and skincare product packaging at in-store collection points for recycling. And brands such as Garnier, Burt’s Bees, eos, Herbal Essences, L’Occitane, Josie Maran and Paula’s Choice offer in-house recycling.

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