As sustainability becomes an increasingly pressing concern, many beauty enthusiasts are reevaluating their consumption habits and looking for ways to minimize waste. One question that frequently arises is whether beauty retailers like Sephora offer recycling programs for the myriad empty containers that accumulate from our favorite makeup and skincare products.
The cosmetics industry produces a staggering amount of packaging waste – in fact, a report by SuperZero found that the beauty industry creates around 120 billion units of plastic packaging per year globally. Considering that the global cosmetics market is projected to reach $463.5 billion by 2027, it‘s clear that finding sustainable solutions for all that waste is critical.
So where does Sephora, one of the largest beauty retailers in the world, stand when it comes to recycling? Here‘s everything you need to know, plus some helpful tips for being a more eco-conscious Sephora shopper.
Does Sephora Have a Recycling Program?
Currently, Sephora does not have a comprehensive recycling program in place for beauty packaging waste. Sephora stores are not equipped to collect empty containers for recycling, and the company‘s website does not advertise any send-back recycling schemes. According to Sephora‘s Customer Support forum, there are no immediate plans to implement an in-store recycling initiative.
This lack of a formal recycling program at Sephora may come as a surprise, given the growing demand for sustainable practices in the beauty industry. A survey by Ulta Beauty found that 50% of consumers want to find ways to reduce beauty and personal care waste, while a report by Eastman revealed that nearly two out of three Americans consider it important that their beauty products are packaged sustainably.
The primary hurdle Sephora faces with recycling is the diversity of materials used in its product packaging. Many cosmetics containers are composed of mixed materials like different plastics, metals, and glass, often with additional components like mirrors, magnets, pumps, and springs. This makes it challenging for recycling facilities to properly sort and process the packaging.
However, all hope is not lost for Sephora shoppers looking to dispose of their beauty empties responsibly. Let‘s explore some alternative options.
How to Recycle Sephora Makeup Containers
1. Check your local recycling guidelines.
The first step in recycling your Sephora containers is to consult your municipal recycling program to see what they accept. Guidelines can vary significantly depending on your location. In general, plastic items like foundation bottles, concealer tubes, and lipstick bullets can often be recycled curbside as long as they are thoroughly cleaned. However, small items like mascara tubes and makeup brushes are usually not accepted.
Keep in mind that recycling requirements even vary by packaging component. For example, plastic bottles are widely recyclable, but most pumps, sprayers, and droppers are not because they contain metal springs. It‘s best to remove them and dispose of bottles and tops separately. The same goes for any mirrors, magnets, or other foreign materials.
2. Look for the recycling symbol.
Most beauty product packaging will feature a recycling symbol, usually on the bottom of the container. This universally recognized symbol is known as the "chasing arrows" and it identifies what type of plastic the packaging is made from. However, just because an item has the recycling symbol does not guarantee it will be accepted curbside – you still need to check with your local recycling facility.
Here‘s a quick breakdown of the different plastic recycling symbols you might see on your Sephora containers:
| Recycling Symbol | Plastic Type | Commonly Found In | Recyclable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ♳ PET or PETE | Polyethylene Terephthalate | Skincare bottles, shower gel containers | Widely recycled |
| ♴ HDPE | High-Density Polyethylene | Shampoo bottles, milk jugs | Widely recycled |
| ♵ PVC or V | Polyvinyl Chloride | Blister packaging | Rarely recycled |
| ♶ LDPE | Low-Density Polyethylene | Squeezable tubes | Not often recycled |
| ♷ PP | Polypropylene | Lipstick and lip balm tubes | Increasingly recycled |
| ♸ PS | Polystyrene | Eyeshadow palettes, powder compacts | Difficult to recycle |
| ♹ Other | Other plastics, including acrylic | Makeup brushes, nail polish bottles | Rarely recycled |
3. Utilize recycling programs from beauty brands.
A number of cosmetics brands have stepped up to create their own recycling initiatives, sometimes with rewards for participating customers. Several of these brands are available at Sephora:
- Kiehl‘s accepts all its empty containers at Kiehl‘s stores and counters. You earn a stamp for every container recycled and after 10 stamps, you receive a free travel-size product.
- Pacifica Beauty offers a mail-back recycling program through TerraCycle. Collect your empty Pacifica products and mail them in using a free shipping label. You‘ll earn points that can be redeemed for free products.
- Garnier has a free recycling program with TerraCycle where you can send in any brand of beauty and personal care packaging, not just Garnier products.
4. Invest in a TerraCycle Zero Waste Box.
Though Sephora may not have a partnership with TerraCycle, you can still utilize the innovative recycling company‘s services independently. TerraCycle sells a variety of Zero Waste Boxes that are designed to collect and recycle hard-to-recycle items, including beauty products and packaging.
The Beauty Products and Packaging Zero Waste Box comes in three sizes:
| Box Size | Price | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Small | $86.00 | 5 lbs |
| Medium | $202.00 | 16 lbs |
| Large | $291.00 | 27 lbs |
Once your box is full, you simply ship it back to TerraCycle using the prepaid shipping label, and they‘ll handle the recycling process. This is a convenient option for avid beauty collectors, though the upfront cost of the box can be prohibitive.
What About Unused or Gently Used Sephora Makeup?
Recycling isn‘t the only eco-friendly way to dispose of unwanted makeup that still contains product. If you have Sephora makeup or skincare that you‘ve only lightly used or swatched, consider donating to a charitable organization like Project Beauty Share. This non-profit collects personal hygiene, cosmetics, and beauty products and distributes them to non-profit organizations who serve women and families overcoming abuse, addiction, homelessness, and poverty.
Local women‘s shelters and family centers may also accept gently used beauty products. However, avoid donating items that are expired or have been used in the eye area, like mascara, due to sanitary concerns.
If you‘ve simply fallen out of love with one of your Sephora purchases, you could try reselling it on a platform like Poshmark or Glambot. These sites specialize in buying and selling new and pre-owned makeup, skincare, haircare, and beauty accessories. It‘s an easy way to clear out your beauty stash and make a few bucks in the process.
Sephora‘s Efforts Towards Sustainability
While Sephora may not have a recycling program yet, the company is making strides in sustainability in other areas. In 2019, Sephora launched the "Clean at Sephora" category, which highlights brands that "formulate their products without certain ingredients and comply with ingredient standards set by Sephora" and "use more sustainable packaging or manufacturing processes."
Sephora‘s Sustainable Packaging Guidelines encourage brands to avoid over-packaging, use recycled materials, include How2Recycle labels, and consider refillable packaging. Sephora even launched packaging made with 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) material for its loyalty program birthday gifts in 2020.
The company has also committed to operating entirely with renewable energy by the end of 2023 and all U.S. locations have eliminated single-use shopping bags in favor of bags made primarily from post-consumer recycled materials.
Sephora carries many brands that focus on clean ingredients, responsible packaging, and overall sustainability. Some standout examples:
- ILIA Beauty packages its products in recycled aluminum, glass, and sustainably-sourced paper. ILIA also has a send-back recycling program.
- Tata Harper is a carbon-neutral brand that uses 100% recyclable glass packaging.
- Saie packages all its products in glass that can be recycled or reused, along with biodegradable and recycled paper. They‘ve also released refillable compacts.
In 2022, Sephora partnered with The Greening Makeup, an organization focused on improving the environmental impact of beauty packaging. The partnership includes an awareness campaign and an "industry report card" highlighting the makeup industry‘s progress toward sustainability.
Sephora also announced a new circular economy strategy in 2022 with plans to "pilot a Take Back program so that empty, beauty products can be returned and recycled" and "implement solutions for used, but still usable, beauty products to find a new home, thus extending their life cycle." While still in early stages, it‘s encouraging to see Sephora exploring recycling and reuse options for the future.
The Rise of Zero Waste Beauty
With the challenges surrounding beauty packaging and recycling, there‘s a growing movement towards zero waste beauty – finding ways to reduce packaging waste altogether. Refillable packaging systems are becoming an increasingly popular alternative. A refillable product typically consists of two parts: a durable, decorative outer case and a recyclable refill cartridge containing the product. When you run out, you simply purchase a new cartridge and insert it into your original case.
The refillables trend is steadily gaining ground in the industry. Sephora recently started carrying PLUS, a universal refillable packaging system designed to be used with any compatible skincare brand. The initial PLUS launch includes refillable products from The Inkey List, Dermalogica, Hyalogy, and Peter Thomas Roth.
Another up-and-coming sustainable beauty brand at Sephora is Dieux. All of Dieux‘s products are refillable, from their eye masks to their moisturizer. Once you buy the initial glass containers, you can purchase more affordable refill pods to pop in. The brand has diverted over 20,000 units of packaging waste from landfills through its refill model.
Here are some other zero waste beauty ideas to try:
- Opt for plastic-free, package-free, or biodegradable products like shampoo and conditioner bars, bamboo toothbrushes, and reusable facial rounds.
- Choose brands that use minimal, 100% recyclable packaging made from materials like glass, aluminum, and PCR plastic.
- Invest in a reusable palette, like the ADEPT Cosmetics Duo Palette, that can be customized with recyclable eyeshadow pans from any brand.
- Make your own DIY beauty products using simple household ingredients and reusable containers.
- Support waterless beauty products that are formulated without water as a main ingredient, reducing the need for preservatives and the product‘s overall carbon footprint.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it – the complete rundown on Sephora‘s recycling practices (or lack thereof). While Sephora doesn‘t currently offer an in-store recycling program, there are still plenty of ways for conscious consumers to minimize beauty packaging waste. By recycling and reusing at home, supporting sustainably-minded brands, exploring refillable packaging, and even trying zero waste beauty, we can all do our part to make the industry a little greener.
As a global beauty retailer, Sephora has the power to make a significant impact by expanding its sustainability initiatives and continuing to rethink its packaging choices. With the circular economy pilot programs on the horizon, it may not be long before it‘s just as easy to recycle your cosmetics containers as it is to purchase them.
Until then, keep reducing, reusing, and recycling your beauty products as much as possible. Remember, small changes can lead to a big impact over time. Here‘s to a more beautiful, sustainable future!
