Pact’s collection guidelines

Figure out if your favorite beauty empties go to Pact, to curbside recycling or in the trash using the lists below.

Have empties on hand you’re ready to discard? Use our Packaging Drop-Off Guide for a step-by-step to get your empties to Pact.

  • All of the below is Pact-accepted packaging, as long as it’s clean and empty*:

    • Plastic bottles + jars smaller than a yogurt cup

    • Plastic + aluminum squeezable tubes

    • Ceramic + porcelain containers

    • Colored glass bottles + jars (varies heavily by location; check locally)

    • Caps + closures

    • Pumps + dispensers

    • Droppers + applicators

    • Compacts + palettes

    • Lipstick/lip gloss tubes + applicators

    • Mascara tubes + wands

    • Plastic pencil components for eye/lip liner + brow pencils

    • Toothpaste tubes + dental floss containers

    • Silicone containers

    • Pouches

    • Supplement bottles

    Our collection guidelines will continue to evolve as we gain more insight from our community and recycling partners into local recycling capabilities. It is always ideal to check with your local recycling centers for the most accurate information on curbside recyclable items in your area.

    • Plastic containers #1, 2 and 5 ( when larger than a yogurt cup/fist)

    • Stainless steel or aluminum

    • Clear or frosted glass jars and bottles (varies heavily by location; check locally)

    • Cardboard & paper

    • Plastic containers #3, #4, #6 and #7 ( when larger than 2" x 2" or a yogurt cup)

    • Broken glass

    • Dental Floss

    • Aerosol cans*

    • Sponges + Brushes

    • Single-use wipes

    • Plastic + Foil safety seals

    • Plastic bags + Wrappers

    • Plastic with foil/metal inlay

    • Nail polish + Remover*

    • Toothbrushes

    • Prescription pill bottles (check local recycler guidelines)

    *Products considered hazardous materials such as aerosol products, nail polish and nail polish remover should be disposed through proper hazmat disposal. Check for your location's hazmat disposal options.

    • If you have backyard compost and the package is backyard compostable, toss it in your home compost (and give yourself a pat on the back, composting is the best!).

    • If it is industrial compostable, you’ll need access to an industrial composting facility through your city or another program. If you do have access to this, consider checking with your composter to see if they accept compostable packaging and single-use items (like takeout containers).

    • If you do not have access to compost, the package should go in the trash.

  • Find a local collection bin.

    The most sustainable way to discard your empties is to drop off at one of our Pact bins. Find the location closest to you,and toss your clean, Pact-accepted empties in the bin. We'll do the rest.

  • Can't find a bin near you?

    We offer a mail-back collection program for US and Canadian customers who don’t have access to a Pact bin. Our goal is to divert as much beauty packaging from the landfill as possible. If you have them, we’ll take them.