The Right Way To Dispose Of Cologne Safely

If you're wondering how to dispose of cologne, it's important to know that you should never pour it down the drain. This is because cologne contains chemicals and alcohol that can be harmful when released into aquatic ecosystems and can even affect groundwater supplies. The best way to dispose of cologne is to take it to a local hazardous waste facility, or to contact a hazardous waste collection group to see if they will pick it up from your home. You can also try repurposing your cologne by using it as a room or linen spray, or adding a few drops to homemade candles or bath products. If your cologne is unopened, you can also donate it to a women's shelter or charity shop.

Don't pour cologne down the drain

Cologne and perfume contain chemicals and alcohol that can be harmful when released into aquatic ecosystems, and can even affect the groundwater supply. They can also contaminate waterways.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regards any product able to "catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic," as household hazardous waste.

If you have cologne or perfume that you need to dispose of, your best option is to take it to a local hazardous waste facility. You can start this process by looking up where your local Household Hazardous Waste facility is, which you should be able to find on your town or city's website.

If you're unable to get to a hazardous waste facility, check with your local waste provider to find out if these items can be thrown in the regular trash, or if they need to be picked up by local hazardous waste collection.

If you have a mostly full bottle of cologne, you could also consider giving it away to a friend, or offering it to someone on a local Facebook group or Freecycle.

Take it to a local hazardous waste facility

If you have cologne or perfume that you need to dispose of, the best option is to take it to a local hazardous waste facility. This is because cologne contains chemicals and alcohol that could be harmful when released into aquatic ecosystems and can even affect the groundwater supply.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regards any product able to "catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that are corrosive or toxic," as household hazardous waste. As colognes contain alcohol, they are placed in the EPA's category of pharmaceuticals and personal care products, which are considered "contaminants of emerging concern."

To start the process of disposing of your cologne, look up where your local Household Hazardous Waste facility is, which you should be able to find on your town or city's website. Once you've located the facility, you can drive your unwanted cologne bottles there and leave them for proper disposal.

Some areas may also offer a hazardous waste collection group that will come to your home and pick up the hazardous materials for you. You can check online or call your local waste management department to see if this service is available in your area and schedule a pick-up.

It's important to note that not all cities have the same laws for disposing of potentially hazardous materials, so always check your local waste management ordinances before disposing of any cologne or perfume to ensure you're doing it legally and safely.

Reuse the cologne before disposing of it

Before disposing of your cologne, there are several ways to reuse it.

Room Diffuser

Spray a little cologne on a lightbulb in your room. The scent will diffuse with the heat from the bulb.

Humidifier

If you have a humidifier that supports essential oils, add a few drops of cologne to it instead of essential oil.

Linen and Underwear Drawers

Keep your drawers smelling fresh by placing the cologne vial in the drawer or giving the inside a few spritzes.

Bath

Add a few drops of cologne to your bathwater for a soothing, scented atmosphere.

Give It Away

Consider giving your cologne to a friend or offering it for free on a local Facebook group or app like Freecycle. Many perfumes are expensive, so someone may appreciate receiving it.

Flower Vase

Transform your cologne bottle into a miniature flower vase. Remove any remaining cologne residue, clean the bottle thoroughly, and fill it with water and small flowers or cuttings.

Recycle the glass bottle

If you have an empty cologne bottle, you can recycle the glass. Check your town or region's recycling protocols online to see if they accept glass perfume bottles. In the UK, for example, you can donate glass perfume bottles to a bottle bank. If you live in London, you can recycle perfume bottles with the rest of your glass recycling.

If you have cologne remaining in the bottle, you can find a local hazardous waste facility to dispose of it properly. You can also try repurposing the cologne by using it as a room or linen spray, or by adding a few drops to an unscented moisturiser or lotion to make your own scented cream. You could also add a few drops to melted candle wax to make a custom-scented candle.

Once the bottle is empty, you can recycle it as above.

Give it to a charity shop

If you have a half-full bottle of cologne that you no longer want, consider giving it to a charity shop. Charity shops are a great way to give pre-loved items a new lease of life, ensuring they don't go to waste and helping to raise money for good causes.

However, it's important to be mindful of what you donate. Charity shops are not a dumping ground for unwanted items. When deciding whether to donate your cologne, consider the following:

• Is the cologne still in date? Check the expiration date, and if it's passed, it's best not to donate.
• Is the cologne sealed? Some charities will only accept donations of sealed, unused fragrances.
• Is the cologne in good condition? Make sure the bottle is clean and undamaged, with the lid, nozzle, or cap secured tightly.
• Is the cologne something someone else would want? If it's a unique or unpopular scent, it may be harder to donate.

If your cologne meets these criteria, you can start researching suitable charities to donate to. Some larger charities with shops, such as Cancer Research UK, PDSA, and the British Heart Foundation, accept sealed, unused bottles of perfume. Local women's shelters and homeless shelters may also accept gently used personal care products, so it's worth calling your nearest centre to check.

When donating, it's always a good idea to introduce yourself to the staff and get to know the volunteers. They will be able to tell you more about what items they can and cannot accept, and you can learn more about the work they do and the causes they support.

Remember, donating your cologne is a great way to support charities, but it's important to respect the guidelines and only donate items that are in good condition and will be of use to someone else.

Frequently asked questions