The majority of deodorant tubes are made of plastic, so you can dump them in the recycling bin and be done with it, right? Unfortunately, this is not entirely accurate.
The majority of deodorant containers are composed of numerous plastic types, some of which are not recyclable. Also, putting things that aren’t accepted with your recyclables could make the whole load dirty and cause more problems in the long run.
With this instruction on how to properly recycle deodorant containers, you can make ecologically responsible decisions.
As with any type of plastic container, you should first check the container for a recycling mark. If the bottle doesn’t have a symbol, you can find out more on the website of the company that makes the deodorant.
Some portions of the container may be recyclable, while others may not be. If this is the case, you can take apart the empty deodorant tube and take the parts to a place where they can be recycled.
Variable Composition of the Tubes
Most deodorant tubes are made of polyethylene (HDPE or plastic #2), polypropylene (PP or plastic #4), or low-density polyethylene (LDPE or plastic #4).
Nevertheless, brand-specific variations exist. Many brands have a dial on the bottom of the tube that is made of a different kind of plastic polymer than the rest of the container. This makes things even more complicated.
Additionally, the cap and protective insert may be composed of distinct polymers.
Is It Recyclable?
Most common aerosol cans are made of tin-coated steel, which is also known as “tinplate.” More costly variants are manufactured from aluminum. Aerosol cans are made of metal, but they also have plastic and rubber parts, like the lid and the tube.
All metals in typical aerosol deodorants may be recycled. In actuality, it is quite probable that the container includes recycled metals.
During the procedure, the little component pieces, plastic and rubber, are removed from the can. Do not puncture the can to remove the labels; the recycling center will handle it.
Recycling is the best method for discarding discarded aerosol cans. Metals are not biodegradable; hence, they cannot be composted. By placing them in the recycling container, they are diverted from the landfill.
If they wound up in a landfill, like many other items do, they would remain there for decades. Deodorant cans that you discarded many years ago are likely to still remain in the garbage; in fact, they will likely outlive you!
Due to the growing amount of trash in landfills, it is more important than ever to get rid of your things in a responsible way.
The primary requirement for recycling aerosol cans, including deodorant cans, is that they be empty. It is considered dangerous if an aerosol is still half or completely full. Due to being pressurized, it might theoretically explode under certain situations.
To avoid this risk, it is important to empty deodorant cans before recycling or throwing them away. Some people might be tempted to poke a hole in the can, but you should never, ever do that.
Likewise, burning or breaking aerosol cans is prohibited. Simply spray the contents into the garbage to empty it. Continue spraying until the unmistakable hissing sound is heard.
As with other aspects of recycling, national and regional regulations differ. For example, some recycling facilities may ask you to remove the aerosol’s cap, while others may not.
If you have questions regarding their criteria, contact your neighborhood recycling facility.
The Recycling Method
Through the Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Recycling Program, recycling experts at TerraCycle accept all brands of deodorant tubes for recycling. They have come up with a unique way to deal with the problems that come with recycling deodorant tubes.
Ernie Simpson, TerraCycle’s chief scientist, described the deodorant tube recycling process as “shredding.”
“The whole process involves shredding, washing, melting, and shaping the original material into pellets,” he said. Pellets are used in the production of novel products and applications.
Before accepting any form of product packaging for recycling, such as deodorant tubes, TerraCycle’s team of scientists conducts an extensive study on package components and tailors recycling procedures appropriately.
The Household Rubbish Recycling Act Since 2003, when local authorities began offering a collection service in response to the government’s passage of the Household Waste Recycling Act, many houses in the United Kingdom recycle as much waste as is feasible.
Numerous municipalities distribute annually to homeowners a recycling brochure that includes basic recycling advice, a list of recyclable products, and up-to-date pickup schedules.
Even so, there are still a few things that many of us don’t recycle because we don’t understand or aren’t sure if they can be recycled. Deodorants are one of the most often discarded goods that are really recyclable.
Aerosol canisters are one of the most common types of deodorant containers in the UK. Despite what we might think, aerosol cans are often recycled through domestic collection programs.
BUY COMPOSTABLE DEODORANT
The most environmentally friendly way to recycle deodorant containers is to buy containers that can be composted, recycled, and broken down over time from the start.
When you purchase natural and organic deodorants from Island Deodorant, you can select a deodorant that is biodegradable, keeps you feeling fresh, and reduces waste in your trash cans.
Natural deodorants are also made of chemicals that are good for both you and the environment. They are organic and vegan products.
This allows you to make eco-friendly choices throughout the whole process, from the moment you put it on to the moment you dispose of the packing.
Conclusion
Some deodorant container types are more recyclable than others. Typically, aerosol cans are allowed in curbside collections, but mixed-plastic roll-ons can be taken to a specialist recycling site, such as the one TerraCycle offers in the United Kingdom.
Deodorants that come in metal tubes or cardboard tubes are better for the environment than those that come in plastic tubes.
Some companies have chosen recyclable cardboard deodorant containers (see Your Nature and Earth Conscious). Others have attempted something quite distinct.
A British company called Akt has made a deodorant balm that comes in an aluminum container that can be recycled.
