Nail polish is a common cosmetic product used by millions of people every day, but it also contains chemicals that can be hazardous to both human health and the environment if not properly disposed of.
From formaldehyde to toluene, many of the ingredients found in nail polish formulas are considered toxic by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Fortunately, there are many ways to dispose of nail polish in a responsible and eco-friendly way.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the various ways you can responsibly dispose of your unused or gently used nail polish.
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Preview of the Article
- Why is it important to properly dispose of nail polish?
- When should you throw away nail polish?
- What can you do with nail polish you don’t want?
- How do you dispose of nail polish?
- Can you recycle nail polish?
- Where to recycle nail polish near me?
Why Is It Important To Properly Dispose Of Nail Polish?
It is essential to dispose of nail polish correctly due to the harmful chemicals it contains. Nail polish is often formulated with toxic substances such as formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, and camphor. Formaldehyde, for instance, is considered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a probable human carcinogen.
In addition, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, and toluene can cause allergic contact dermatitis, which is an inflammation of the skin as a result of contact with a specific substance. Camphor, on the other hand, is an oil that can be toxic if ingested orally.
The improper disposal of nail polish can lead to environmental damage. When nail polish is carelessly thrown in the trash, the liquid can leak out of the containers and seep into the soil.
From there, it can make its way into bodies of water such as streams, lakes, rivers, and oceans, potentially contaminating the water and exposing wildlife and humans to these harmful chemicals. It is imperative to be mindful of how we dispose of nail polish to avoid these negative impacts on the environment and protect the health and well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.
When Should You Throw Away Nail Polish?
- When the PAO (period after opening) of your nail polish is passed.
- When the consistency of your nail polish has changed. If it has become thick, stringy, or very thin. Then it’s probably not good anymore.
- When the color has changed or the odor is unpleasant.
- When the nail polish separates, try shaking or rolling it. If your nail polish still separates, you should get rid of it.
- When you have had a fungal infection, it is important to dispose of the polish you used during that time to prevent re-contaminating yourself or others.
- When the container of your nail polish is almost empty.
What Can You Do With Nail Polish You Don’t Want?
- Donate it. If your nail polish is new and unused, you can donate it to local shelters, beauty schools, or other organizations that can make use of it.
- Gift it. If you have friends or family members who enjoy wearing nail polish, consider gifting them your unused or gently used bottles.
- Sell it. When your nail polish is brand new, you have the possibility to sell it on second-hand platforms such as Poshmark or ThredUp.
- Upcycle it. Nail polish can be used in various art projects, such as painting on small canvases, creating designs on paper, or decorating objects like picture frames or small statues.
- Recycle it. Use the mail-in nail polish recycling program from Chemwise.
How Do You Dispose Of Nail Polish?
- If your nail polish is empty, clean all remaining product in the bottle with acetone, rinse the bottle with water, and dry it. If the material can be recycled then you can put the empty clean bottle in the recycling bin. Don’t forget to remove the cap and labels.
- If your bottle of nail polish is not empty, you can use the mail-in nail polish recycling program from Chemwise. Simply send your used nail polishes to Chemwise in its SMARTbeauty Pack. You’ll be sure that your nail polish is properly disposed of.
- If your bottle of nail polish is not empty, find a recycling facility that accepts nail polish. With this website, you can enter your zip code and receive a list of recycling solutions for your nail polish bottle.
- If you’re unable to locate a recycling center near you, consider visiting one of the Hazardous Waste Programs or U.S. State Environmental Agencies. These facilities accept a wide range of hazardous waste, including nail polish, and ensure that it is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
Can You Recycle Nail Polish?
Yes, you can recycle nail polish.
Use the mail-in nail polish recycling program from Chemwise. Simply send your used nail polishes to Chemwise with their SMARTbeauty Pack. You’ll be sure that your nail polish is properly disposed of.
Where To Recycle Nail Polish Near Me?
- If you’re unable to locate a recycling center near you, consider visiting one of the Hazardous Waste Programs or U.S. State Environmental Agencies. These facilities accept a wide range of hazardous waste, including nail polish, and ensure that it is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
- Find a recycling facility that accepts nail polish. With this website, you can enter your zip code and you will be provided with a comprehensive list of recycling solutions for your used nail polish bottles.
