How To Safely Dispose Of Old Makeup Without Harming Plumbing Or Environment

Makeup is a staple in many daily routines, but few people consider what happens when those products expire or are no longer used. Flushing expired lipstick down the toilet or tossing foundation bottles into the trash may seem harmless, but these actions can damage plumbing systems and pollute ecosystems. From microplastics in packaging to chemical residues leaching into soil and water, improper disposal contributes to long-term environmental harm. Fortunately, there are safe, effective ways to get rid of old cosmetics that protect both your home’s infrastructure and the planet.

Why Proper Makeup Disposal Matters

Expired or unused makeup doesn’t just lose its effectiveness—it can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and yeast. Using old mascara, for example, increases the risk of eye infections. But throwing it away carelessly creates another set of problems. When makeup enters drains, even in small amounts, it accumulates over time. Foundations, concealers, and liquid liners often contain oils and waxes that solidify in pipes, leading to blockages. Wipes, cotton pads, and plastic applicators contribute to sewer overflows and fatbergs—massive congealed lumps of grease and non-biodegradable material found in municipal sewers.

Beyond plumbing issues, cosmetic waste affects the environment. Many makeup containers are made from mixed plastics that aren’t recyclable through standard curbside programs. These end up in landfills where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. Additionally, chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes can leach into groundwater, posing risks to aquatic life and potentially entering the human food chain.

“Improper disposal of personal care products is an overlooked source of pollution. Even small habits, like rinsing brushes in the sink, add up at scale.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Environmental Toxicologist at Green Science Initiative

Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Dispose of Old Makeup

Disposing of makeup responsibly requires more than just tossing it in the trash. Follow this six-step process to minimize environmental impact and avoid damaging your plumbing:

1. Check expiration dates and signs of spoilage. Most makeup has a period-after-opening (PAO) symbol—a jar with a number followed by “M” (e.g., 12M means 12 months). If the product smells rancid, changes texture, or separates irreversibly, it’s time to discard it.
2. Remove excess product. For liquids and creams, scrape out as much as possible using a spatula. This reduces mess and makes recycling easier.
3. Separate components. Many makeup items have multiple parts: pumps, caps, mirrors, wands, and inner tubes. Take them apart so each component can be disposed of appropriately.
4. Dispose of hazardous contents properly. Do not pour liquids or powders down the drain. Instead, absorb liquids with paper towels or cat litter, then place them in sealed bags before trashing.
5. Recycle what you can. Clean empty containers and check local recycling guidelines. Some brands offer take-back programs.
6. Document and track disposal. Keep a log of when you discard items to help manage future purchases and reduce overaccumulation.

Tip: Use a dedicated container under your sink to collect expired makeup until you’re ready to sort and dispose of it all at once.

Do’s and Don’ts of Makeup Disposal

Do’s	Don’ts
Scrape out leftover product with a clean spoon or spatula	Pour foundation, serums, or removers down the sink or toilet
Break down packaging into individual materials (plastic, glass, metal)	Throw entire compacts or bottles into recycling bins without disassembling
Use manufacturer take-back or TerraCycle programs	Assume all “recyclable” labels mean curbside acceptance
Seal dried residues in ziplock bags before disposal	Flush makeup wipes—even if labeled “flushable”
Donate unopened, unused products to shelters or charities (if allowed)	Keep expired products “just in case”—they degrade and harbor bacteria

Real Example: How One Community Reduced Cosmetic Waste

In Boulder, Colorado, a local zero-waste group launched the “Clean Beauty Bin” initiative after noticing high levels of cosmetic contamination in recycling streams. They partnered with three major salons and placed labeled collection bins for used makeup. Over six months, they collected over 380 pounds of expired cosmetics. Volunteers disassembled the items, separated materials, and sent eligible components to specialized recyclers via TerraCycle. The rest was disposed of in lined landfill containers to prevent leakage.

The project revealed surprising insights: nearly 70% of collected items were still partially full, indicating widespread lack of awareness about expiration. The team also found that glitter eyeshadows and waterproof mascaras posed the greatest challenge due to complex formulations and non-recyclable bristles. As a result, the city began hosting biannual beauty waste drop-off events and added educational inserts to library pamphlets on household toxins.

Recycling Options and Take-Back Programs

Standard recycling facilities often reject cosmetic packaging due to size, material mix, or residual product. However, several brands and organizations offer alternative solutions:

• TerraCycle Beauty Program: Partners with L’Oréal, Garnier, and others to provide free shipping labels for collecting empties. Accepted items include compacts, tubes, brushes, and even nail polish bottles.
• MAC Back-to-MAC: Offers a free lipstick when you return six empty MAC containers, regardless of condition.
• Sephora Recycling Program: In partnership with Recyclebank, customers can drop off clean empties at participating stores and earn points.
• BluApple: A mail-in service specializing in hard-to-recycle beauty waste, including pressed powders and hybrid plastics.

To participate, clean containers thoroughly, remove pumps and mirrors, and package according to program guidelines. While not all regions have equal access, these programs divert thousands of pounds of waste from landfills annually.

Checklist: Safe Makeup Disposal at Home

Action Checklist:

• ☐ Identify expired or contaminated makeup using PAO symbols or sensory cues
• ☐ Remove as much product as possible using a spatula or tissue
• ☐ Disassemble packaging: separate lids, pumps, brushes, and mirrors
• ☐ Absorb liquids with paper or absorbent material before sealing in trash
• ☐ Check local recycling rules for plastics, glass, and metals
• ☐ Mail eligible items to TerraCycle or brand-specific programs
• ☐ Wipe down containers before placing in recycling or trash
• ☐ Store future discards in a designated bin to avoid last-minute dumping

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I compost makeup packaging?

No, most cosmetic packaging is made from petroleum-based plastics or laminated materials that do not break down in compost. Even biodegradable claims often require industrial facilities. Avoid adding any part of makeup containers to home compost unless explicitly certified as compostable (e.g., some bamboo labels).

Is it ever safe to flush makeup wipes?

No. Despite marketing terms like “flushable,” makeup wipes do not disintegrate like toilet paper. They contribute significantly to sewer blockages and wastewater treatment challenges. Always dispose of wipes in the trash, preferably wrapped in a tissue to contain residue.

What should I do with old perfume or nail polish?

These are considered household hazardous waste (HHW) due to flammability and chemical content. Do not pour them down drains or throw them loosely in the trash. Instead, take them to a local HHW facility. Some cities host seasonal collection events. If unavailable, seal the bottle tightly, wrap in absorbent material, and place in a secure trash container away from heat sources.

Protect Your Pipes and the Planet

The way we handle beauty waste reflects broader patterns of consumption and responsibility. Every tube of mascara, compact of blush, or bottle of foundation carries an environmental footprint—from production to disposal. By taking a few extra minutes to dismantle, clean, and route components correctly, you prevent costly plumbing repairs and reduce pollution. Small actions, multiplied across millions of users, lead to meaningful change.

Consider integrating makeup audits into your seasonal cleaning routine. Just as you rotate wardrobes or pantry goods, assess your vanity every three to four months. Label products with purchase dates, use air-tight storage to extend shelf life, and support brands committed to sustainable packaging. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress toward smarter, kinder habits.

“Sustainability in beauty starts at the sink. How you dispose of a single eyeliner can influence water quality, wildlife health, and community infrastructure.” — Mariah Chen, Director of Sustainable Cosmetics Coalition

💬 Ready to declutter your vanity the right way? Start today by pulling out expired products and sorting them using this guide. Share your experience or tips in the comments to inspire others to make the switch!