Photo by: Rosa Rafael / Unsplash
If you’re a beauty lover, chances are MAC Cosmetics has been a staple in your makeup bag. Their high-quality products, from creamy lipsticks to richly pigmented eyeshadows, have been there for every bold look and special moment. But what happens to those empty containers when you’re done?
Your first instinct might be to toss them in the trash, right? But hold on! There’s a much better way to handle your MAC empties, and it benefits both you and the environment.
The Environmental Impact of Beauty Packaging
Did you know that most beauty product packaging is made from plastic, which can take hundreds of years to decompose? When you throw out your empty lipstick tubes or compacts, they end up in landfills or even worse our oceans.
Photo by: MAC cosmetics
Why Does This Matter?
Plastic pollution is a major environmental crisis. The beauty industry alone contributes millions of tons of waste every year. Recycling reduces waste and conserves resources. By giving your empties a second life, you help reduce the demand for new plastic production. Also, sustainable choices make a difference. Every little step counts in protecting our planet, and choosing to recycle is an easy way to contribute.
Luckily, MAC Cosmetics has an amazing recycling initiative called Back-to-MAC. This program ensures that used makeup packaging is disposed of properly, either through recycling or energy conversion.
How Back-to-MAC Works:
1. Gather Your Empties – Once you finish a product, clean out the container to prepare it for recycling.
2. Drop Them Off – Take your used MAC containers to a MAC store or counter.
3. Make a Difference – MAC ensures the materials are recycled or repurposed in an eco-friendly way.
While the free product incentive has been discontinued, MAC remains committed to sustainability and reducing waste. By participating in their recycling efforts, you’re helping to minimize the environmental impact of beauty packaging.
What Other Ways Can You Recycle Your MAC Empties?
If you can’t access a MAC store, don’t worry! There are still ways to recycle your used beauty packaging responsibly:
• Local Recycling Programs: Many communities offer recycling services for plastic and cosmetic containers. Check with your local waste management services.
• DIY Projects: Repurpose your empties into creative storage solutions, organizers, or even mini planters.
• Third-Party Recycling Programs: Some organizations specialize in recycling beauty packaging. Do some research to find the best option in your area.
Give Your MAC Packaging a Second Life
Bestie, we both know MAC has been a part of your beauty journey – through first dates, big presentations, and those unforgettable nights out.
So, instead of just tossing your empties, think about their second life and of course, our planet.
Whether you upcycle them into something new, recycle through Back-to-MAC or through other companies like TerraCycle, earth911, materials recovery, plastic expert, parry & evans, etc, every action counts!