The modern world is ever-evolving, and with that comes a growing need to find ways to reduce our carbon footprint.
One of the most important ways to do this is by recycling, as recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills or incinerated.
However, not all items can be recycled, and one item that many people are curious about is deodorant containers. So, can you recycle deodorant containers?
Most deodorant containers are made of either plastic or glass. Both glass and plastics are recyclable but recycling is not that easy.
In some cases, deodorant containers and tubes are made up of plastics that are not recyclable, and throwing such materials in the recycling bin can cause contamination of other materials that are fully recyclable.
It is crucial to understand the type of material that is used to make a deodorant container. A proper guidelines must be followed in order to make recycling clean without posing a threat to future generations.
What Is Deodorant?
Deodorant is a product that is used to reduce or eliminate body odour. It is typically applied to the body after bathing and works by preventing the growth of bacteria that cause body odour.
Deodorant is available in various forms, including sticks, sprays, gels, and creams, and most of these products come in plastic containers.
Deodorants are stored in containers that come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small, pocket-sized tubes to large, full-sized bottles.
Some deodorant containers are designed to be refillable and reusable, while others are designed to be disposable.
Many deodorant containers are also designed to be leak-proof and air-tight, ensuring that the deodorant will last longer.
Types Of Deodorant Containers
Deodorant containers have various types and different materials are used to make them. An expensive range of deodorants may have an aluminum can or steel can coated with tin. The regular deodorant containers include;
Plastics Containers
Most deodorants are made up of plastics. Commonly used plastics in deodorant containers include high- and low-density polyethylene or polypropylene.
Glass Containers
Roll-on deodorants have glass containers with a plastic ball fixed on top of them. The composition of glass includes sand, limestone, and sodium carbonate. Elevated temperatures melt down the glass and it can be remolded.
Glass is one of the recyclable materials that can be recycled forever.
Aerosol Cans
Another material used in manufacturing deodorant containers is steel. Steel is an alloy, which means it is a variant of metal. Steel is 100% recyclable even when lined with tin. Tin is also indefinitely recyclable.
Another material used in the manufacturing of deodorant containers is aluminum. Aluminium is a metal and it is completely recyclable.
Why Is There A Need For Recycling Deodorant Containers?
In recent years, there has been an exponential sale of deodorant as they have a vital part in personal hygiene.
The increasing rate of sales is directly linked to overfilling of landfill sites and the contamination of nearby water bodies and natural habitats.
Recycling helps us in getting rid of littering and pollution because pollution poses a grave threat to the environment, human beings, and other living species.
Deodorant containers can be recycled at individual levels and on a larger scale additionally.
Why Is Recycling Contamination An Issue?
The question is valid.
If a recyclable material is accidentally mixed with another type of recycling material, say paper gets mixed with plastic how is this contamination when both of these materials are recyclable?
The answer is quite simple. Every recyclable material follows a different mode of recycling.
Plastic bottles, glass, and aerosols are washed first, shredded, and then converted into pallets for reuse. Paper on the other hand is not washed but thrown directly into the shredder.
Contaminated materials tend to lower or diminish the quality of recycled products.
Recycling of Deodorant Containers Depends On:
1. Composition Of Deodorant Containers
It must be acknowledged that every material is not recyclable. The reason behind this is the ‘type’ of material used in the manufacturing of deodorant containers.
- Plastic Deodorant Containers made out of polyethylene and polypropylene are recyclable. But unfortunately, in most deodorant containers, more than one type of plastic is used which causes contamination and hence makes them non-recyclable.
- Glass Deodorant Containers can only be recycled efficiently if you somehow manage to remove the roll-on ball attached to its head.
- Aerosol Cans are made up of steel and aluminum and both of these materials are completely recyclable.
However, while tossing the empty containers in the recycling can it is important to make sure they are empty. They are highly flammable because they have an alcohol or aerosol base.
Especially, when you throw away aerosol cans, make sure there is no product left in the can because when exposed to pressure and a certain temperature, the can will explode and pose serious health hazards to nearby people.
2. Recycling Contamination
Recycling contamination happens when a non-recyclable material or garbage ends up in the recycling bin. For instance, if the recycling bin is labeled as plastic bottles, you are supposed to toss plastic bottles in it.
If a piece of paper is accidentally thrown in the recycling bin for plastic bottles, recycling contamination occurs.
Following steps can be performed to avoid recycling contamination and to ensure maximum output of recycling.
- Clean your empty deodorant containers with soap and warm water to rinse off the leftover product.
- Detach all the parts of the plastic container and identify which part is easily recyclable.
- Remove the roll-on ball from the glass container to make the container recyclable.
- Carefully, poke holes in cans to empty the can. Flatten them to make sure there is no explosion in the recycling bin.
If these simple steps are followed, there is no limitation in the recycling process.
3. Recycling Bin Facility
The installation of recycling bins along the curbside has made it easier for us to segregate our waste and throw it in the respective bin instead of a landfill site.
But every curbside does not offer a recycling facility and this can lead to littering and end up polluting the nearby water bodies.
It is important to know that every recyclable material is not biodegradable which means if recyclable materials are taken away to a landfill site, they will remain there for years and chances are that they might outlive you.
Can You Recycle Deodorant Containers?
The answer to this question is yes, you can recycle deodorant containers in most cases.
However, the type of container and the material it is made of will affect whether or not it can be recycled.
Here are some types of deodorant containers and whether it is possible to recycle them or not
1. Plastic Deodorant Containers
These are the most common type of deodorant containers.
They are typically made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or polystyrene plastic, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are generally lightweight and durable.
Unfortunately, they are not recyclable and will end up in a landfill after they are used.
2. Aluminum Deodorant Containers
Aluminum deodorant containers are lightweight, durable, and long-lasting. They are often used for aerosol deodorants, as they are capable of withstanding the pressure of the gas.
Unfortunately, aluminum is not widely recycled, and most aluminum deodorant containers will also end up in a landfill.
3. Glass Deodorant Containers
Glass deodorant containers are generally used for natural and organic deodorants. They are made from recycled glass and are, therefore, recyclable.
However, due to the weight of the glass, they are more expensive than other types of deodorant containers.
4. Paperboard Deodorant Containers
Paperboard deodorant containers are made from recycled cardboard and are therefore recyclable.
They are also lightweight and cost-effective.
These containers are generally used for solid deodorants, such as sticks and roll-ons.
5. Biodegradable Deodorant Containers:
These containers are biodegradable and, therefore, environmentally friendly materials such as corn, potato, or tapioca-based bioplastics.
They are also lightweight and cost-effective, making them a great choice for those looking for a more sustainable option.
What Can I Do With Old Deodorant Containers?
We all use deodorant, and after a while, the containers become empty. Most of us throw these containers away, but did you know that there are plenty of creative ways to reuse them?
Here are five ideas of what you can do with your old deodorant containers to help the environment and reduce waste.
1. Create a Travel Container
Reusing your old deodorant containers is a great way to save money and reduce waste. Instead of buying a separate travel container, you can easily reuse your old deodorant containers to store your favorite toiletries.
These containers are the perfect size for carrying shampoo, conditioner, and lotion when you go away. Just make sure to clean them out with warm, soapy water before you fill them with your products.
2. Make a Seed Starter
If you’re an avid gardener, you can use your old deodorant containers to start your seeds. All you have to do is fill the container with a soil and seed mix, water it, and place it in the sun.
The soil will retain enough moisture to keep the seeds moist until they start to sprout. Once the seedlings are ready, you can transplant them into larger containers or directly into your garden.
3. Store Your Coins
Deodorant containers are the perfect size for storing coins. Using these containers, you can keep all your spare change in one place and use it for emergencies or when you need to buy something small.
You can also give the container to your kids and encourage them to start saving.
4. Make a Mini-Planter
If you have a green thumb, you can use your old deodorant containers to make mini-planters. All you need is some potting soil, small plants, and a few accessories like stones and beads.
You can use the container as a planter for a small succulent or herb. It’s a fun way to add a touch of greenery to your home.
5. Turn It into a Decoration
If you’re feeling creative, you can use your old deodorant containers to make decorations.
All you need is some paint, glue, and a few other things. You can use the container to make a birdhouse, a candle holder, or a decorative box.
The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to get your creative juices flowing.
In general, there are many creative ways to reuse your old deodorant containers.
Whether you want to use them to store your toiletries, start your seeds, or turn them into decorations, you can find a way to make them useful.
So next time you’re about to throw away your empty deodorant containers, think twice and get creative.
Conclusion
Overall, it is possible to recycle deodorant containers. Depending on the container type, you can recycle it at a local recycling center or in the recycling bin.
Some deodorant containers are not typically recyclable; however, there are still ways to reuse and repurpose them. The best thing to do is to find a creative way to repurpose them, such as turning them into planters or storage containers.
If all else fails, then you can always throw them away. No matter what, it’s always important to be mindful of your environmental impact.
