In partnership with L'Oréal

Emptying a beauty product feels like a testament to its efficacy, but when it comes to thoughtfully disposing of the packaging, it can be confusing. What can be recycled, and how do we recycle things properly?

Often, beauty product packaging is made up of multiple materials. It can also be unclear exactly what the materials are. That’s why so often, it ends up in landfill. But with such high consumption rates (beauty is a huge contributor to waste globally) It’s essential to recycle whenever possible. This is also dependent on accessibility to the relevant recycling facilities. In Australia and New Zealand, it’s not always easy. So the onus also falls on government and councils to improve accessibility.

To help you work things out, and as part of our 30-day sustainability initiative with L’Oréal, below you’ll find the RUSSH guide to recycling your empties, from what’s accepted in kerbside recycling, to drop off points at retail locations.

Glass bottles and jars

These can go straight into kerbside recycling (i.e. the yellow bin). Just be sure to remove any plastic components or lids, and rinse them clean before disposal.

Paper and cardboard

These can also go straight into your kerbside recycling bin.

Empty Plastic Bottles and Containers

Most rigid plastic can be recycled via kerbside recycling in Australia. This typically includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash and some skincare, just be sure to remove any non-plastic lids or pumps if necessary. For example, Kérastase shampoo and conditioner bottles are made from recycled materials, as well as suitable for kerbside recycling. Again, they’ll need to be rinsed clean before disposal. If you’re confused, City of Sydney has a great search tool that can determine recyclability. If you’re in a different state, check with your local government page.

Aluminum Cans and Aerosols

These can also be recycled via kerbside recycling, you’ll just need to ensure they’re totally empty first.

Other items, including those made from mixed materials like small tubes, compacts, sachets, some caps and pumps: This is where things get more specific, and it’s important to do your research as improper disposal can contaminate the recycling process.

Some product packaging requires specialised recycling, meaning it can’t be placed in the bins at home. Fortunately, some beauty retailers can offer a service where they’ll accept your empties and properly recycle them for you.

• Kiehl’s offers an in-store take back programme, where you can either repurchase a refill, or return empty containers to be recycled. All brands are accepted, as well.
• David Jones offers a BeautyCyle service also in partnership with TerraCycle to properly recycle certain beauty packaging. You can read about it here.
• Mecca works with TerraCycle to take back empties. You can find your nearest location here.
• Sephora also partners with TerraCycle, and accepts certain empties in store. Find more information here.

Cosmetic Applicators

Things like makeup sponges, cotton pads and cotton buds are generally not recyclable and should go in your general waste (red-lid bin). We suggest you swap them out for a reusable alternative.

Refills

Buying a refillable product is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste (recyclable or otherwise) within your beauty routine. We love Lancôme’s Advanced Genifique Serum refill, or YSL Rouge Pur Couture lipstick.

Some takeaways:

• Always Check for Recycling Symbols, like the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) or standard recycling symbols (1 through 7) on the packaging to guide you.
• Recycling guidelines can sometimes vary between local councils, so it's always a good idea to check your local council's website for the most accurate information specific to your area.