Do You Recycle Your Cosmetics and Other Bathroom Products?

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recycling your makeup and other containers from your bathroom

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We regularly recycle newspapers, metal cans and plastic containers. However, how many of us recycle old or used cosmetic containers and other products used in our bathrooms?

According to Johnson & Johnson, only one in five Americans consistently recycles products that are typically kept in the bathroom and the idea of recycling bathroom products never even occurred to 22 percent of the people surveyed.

The survey was conducted for Johnson & Johnson by the Shelton Group, a sustainability-focused advertising and marketing agency, according to a PR newswire press release. The survey found that 40 percent of Americans report recycling no bathroom items at all, and 20 percent didn't even know that products in the bathroom are recyclable.

Motivated by these results, Johnson & Johnson has launched a recycling campaign called Care To Recycle exclusively through Tumblr. The campaign shows a video and other tips about recycling. It can be accessed here.

The site explains that while the bathroom is the smallest room in the house, it generates a large portion of trash that could be recycled. “Almost 552 million 15-oz. shampoo bottles alone could be ending up in our landfills each year.”

There are numerous products that could qualify for recycling that we typically just pitch in the garbage.

For example:

- Plastic shampoo, conditioner, contact lens fluid, mouthwash and hair gel containers that are rinsed out, can go out with your household plastic recycling.

- Pill bottles, without their caps, may also be accepted by your town. Check the number stamped on the bottom of the bottle and call to see if they will be accepted.

- Makeup containers may also be accepted back for recycling by the manufacturer. Companies such as Aveda, MAC and Kielh have regular recycle programs in place for their cosmetics.

- Plastic wrappers from toilet paper, cotton balls or diapers can be dropped off at a local recycle center. Locations close to you can be found here.

- Cardboard from toilet rolls, soap boxes, toothpaste boxes or hair dye can be placed with other household paper recycled products.

"Care to Recycle is a gentle reminder to recycle empty containers from the bathroom," said Paulette Frank, Vice President of Sustainability for the Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies.

"We hope it leads to a change in the behavior of throwing recyclable bathroom items in the trash and a greater awareness that we can all contribute to a healthy planet."

Sources:

Care to Recycle. Johnson & Johnson. Retrieved Nov. 2, 2013.
http://caretorecycle.com

Only One in Five People Consistently Recycles Packaging from Products Used in the Bathroom. Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies Launches First Recycling Campaign on Tumblr to Remind Americans They Can Recycle in the Bathroom. Retrieved Nov. 2, 2013.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/only-one-in-five-people-consiste...

8 Bathroom Items We All Forget to Recycle. Recyclebank. Retrieved Nov. 2, 2013
https://livegreen.recyclebank.com/8-Bathroom-Items-We-All-Forget-to-Recycle

Michele is an R.N. freelance writer with a special interest in woman’s healthcare and quality of care issues. Other articles by Michele are at www.helium.com/users/487540/show_articles

Edited by Jody Smith

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.