They will accept ANY and all empty cosmetic “primary packaging”, it does not have to be their brand.
What to do:
- Make sure it’s empty.
- Make sure it meets the “primary packaging” classification as listed below.
- Take it to your local Origins counter (there are a few exceptions and they do not appear to have a mail-in program to date.)
“Primary packaging is the packaging that protects the actual product (glass and plastic jars, bottles, tubes, caps, lipstick covers). The following are not accepted as part of the recycling program:
- Secondary packaging of any sort including paper boxes, plastic or cellophane wrappers, shopping bags, etc.
- Samples containers, special/trial size products from promotional kits
- Cosmetic applicators or tools such as disposables, puffs, sponges, scissors, spatulas, swabs, sharpeners, tweezers and curlers
- Makeup accessory items including bags, belts, makeup cases, etc.”
Full details can be found here:
http://www.origins.com/about/index.tmpl?ngextredir=1&page=recycle&cm_sp=Refresh-_-03-31-09%20Homepage%20Refresh-_-Return%20to%20Origins%20Recycling%20Program
I haven’t tried this yet so I don’t know if this is one of those programs where they haven’t informed the sales clerks or not. If anyone has any experience with this, please let us know. I’m going to start a small box to take in… or maybe I won’t… I don’t go through makeup very fast… 🙂