Where do you get rid of expired lotions, old shampoo, etc?

Question

I have a bunch of old lotions/body wash/shampoos/conditioners cluttering up my bathroom cabinets. I want to recycle the bottles, but what do I do with the contents?
Is there one way that's less harmful to the environment than any other? I don't like to be wasteful, but the products are past their point of use.
Thanks for any answers! Have a great night!

I do believe they do expire to a certain degree. They don't smell as they did when bought, and some smell down right gross!!

Answer 1

Believe it or not, you could probably sell these at a garage sale if you wanted to do that.

I would simply combine all shampoos into 1 or 2 bottles, etc., like with like, and then use them up as you can. Even though the "date" is past, it doesn't mean they are not effective to a certain degree.

You can use the left over shampoo/body wash for hand washables or for the dog, car, etc.

Conditioner can work like fabric softener.

I'm not sure about lotion - the only thing that comes to mind is to use it on anything that you clean with petro products (i.e., shoes, some leathers).

Answer 2

Have you ever tried donating them to shelters in severely poor areas in your community, or organizations that try to help "street " people? This may sound absurd, but you might be surprised at how needy some people are in these times of "downsizing" everywhere, and how almost overnight, the simplest needs can become to previously , (in comparison) comfortable people. It might sound like alot of trouble, but washing the outsides off with a mild antibacterial detergent like "Dawn" can work wonders, and can even soak off the residue that forms around bottle caps and push-buttons on lotions, etc. ( I just fill my clean sink with warm water, dawn, and toss them all in with tightened caps,let them soak for a little while, empty the sink, and rinse. It's not as time consuming as it sounds. You get the benefit of ridding yourself of all your "old" stuff cluttering up your cabinets, and the added satisfaction of doing something good for the more needy and the environment, not to mention your household drainage system! Sincerely, a (probably certifiably crazed) "mad house-person."

Answer 3

I just dump lotion in the trash, and perfume down the toilet or sink. I never considered if those are bad ways to get rid of that stuff. I doubt they take that stuff out at the recycling center on hazardous waste day!

Answer 4

Petroleum and pesticides and the like are harmful and even though shampoos unless it staes they do not contain petroleum but in amts so minute so they are safe to flush But if you really wish to be extra careful take very heavy plastic or utilize the [plastic bags from grocery stores and the like and pour the contents into the plastic-tie tightly then pack in several more plastic bags--will take a long time to disintegrate.

Answer 5

Some cosmetic products are considered hazardous waste when they are no longer wanted.
In general, these are flammable products such as aerosol deodorants, hairspray, nail polish, and nail polish remover.
Some other bottles in your medicine cabinet may contain hazardous materials, such as rubbing alcohol or certain drugs.

Check with your solid waste agency or health department for local disposal guidelines.

Answer 6

I don't think any of that stuff is harmful (I mean, when you use shampoo, conditioner, etc, it all goes down the drain anyway.) I would say mix it in a bucket of water (so it doesn't clog up your drains) or dump it down the drain while you're running hot water. Should be no harm in that.

Answer 7

just dump the contents and recycle the bottles. THe products would have ended up doing down the drain anyway had you used them.

Answer 8

Dont think those items you mentioned exspire.Use them till there gone.The date on the bottle if there is one is for either date made or sell by date.Food and consumable items are all you have to fear on the dates.Use them.Unless you just dont want that type anymore then the drain wont do anyone any harm .

Answer 9

I didn't know lotions and shampoos expired, I would prolly use them

Answer 10

I usually flush them down the toilet.