1. Hand Cream & Lotion Bottles (Similar Rules)

These typically come in plastic tubes, jars, or pump bottles.

• Before Disposal: Always aim to reuse or repurpose first!

  • Clean & Refill: For bottles with good pumps, you can clean them thoroughly and use them for your own DIY lotions, creams, or even as travel containers.

  • Craft & Organization: Small jars are perfect for holding bobby pins, salves, or as mini paint pots.

• How to Recycle (If Empty):

  • Rinse Thoroughly: Remove as much residue as possible. You don't need it spotless, but major cream should be gone.

  • Check the Plastic Number: Look for the recycling symbol (♻) with a number inside (often #1, #2, or #5). This determines if your local program accepts it.

  • Separate Components: If it's a pump bottle, often the pump and cap are made from a different plastic than the bottle. You should remove the pump. In many municipalities, you can leave the cap on the bottle if it's the same material, but the complex pump usually needs to go in the trash unless specified.

  • Jars: Plastic or glass jars can usually be recycled if clean. Keep the lid if it's the same material.

• If Not Recyclable: Place in the general trash.

  

  

• How to Recycle

  Rinse Well: Clean out all product residue.

  Check the Number: #1 (PET/PETE) and #2 (HDPE) are widely accepted.

  Pumps & Caps: Similar to lotion bottles. Remove non-recyclable pumps and discard separately. Caps can often stay on if they are the same material.

  Tubes (for cleanser): Flexible plastic tubes (like toothpaste) are traditionally not recyclable in most curbside programs and should go in the trash. However, some brands (like Garnier) have store drop-off programs for beauty packaging.

  By taking these extra steps, you ensure your empty products are disposed of responsibly, minimizing their environmental impact.