Waste sorting was introduced a few years ago. However, many products still raise questions, and it’s not always clear which bin they should go into. What about expired cosmetics?
How to Properly Sort Waste? It’s Not as Simple as It Seems
While sorting waste might seem like a no-brainer, the reality is more complicated. Many products can be tricky to sort into the correct bin. Here’s how it works in theory:
- Paper should be placed in blue bins - newspapers, cartons, books.
- Metals and plastics go into yellow bins - including aluminum foil, cans, and plastic packaging.
- Glass should go in the green bin - clean bottles and jars (but no ceramics, light bulbs, porcelain, or heat-resistant glass).
- Biodegradable waste like vegetable peels, branches, grass clippings, eggshells, and coffee grounds (but not bones, meat, or oils) should go in the brown bin.
- Mixed waste, such as dirty glass, paper, or plastic, should go in the black bin.
Where Should Expired Cosmetics Go? Not Always the Black Bin
As a rule, expired cosmetics - meaning containers with leftover product - should be disposed of in the mixed waste, so they belong in the black bins. However, there’s an exception to this rule. If the product is in a glass or plastic container, it’s worth removing the contents and placing the container in the blue (paper) or yellow (plastic/metal) bin. Before doing so, make sure to clean the container, as dirty items cannot be recycled. This way, the containers can be reused.
Where to Throw Away Cosmetic Containers? Remember This
Sometimes, you might come across an old cosmetic product that is still unopened but has already expired. While it’s best to avoid such situations, if it happens, take a little extra care before throwing it away. As mentioned earlier, these products are often packaged in cardboard boxes or plastic wrap. Clean cardboard should go into the blue bin, and plastic should go into the yellow bin.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure proper recycling and reduce waste.
