The Benefits Of Replacing Your Old Cologne

There are many reasons why you might want to get rid of old cologne. Perhaps you're no longer keen on the fragrance, or maybe it's expired and is starting to smell a bit off. Whatever the reason, it's important to know how to dispose of it safely and responsibly.

Cologne and other fragrances often contain chemicals and alcohol that can be harmful to the environment, especially aquatic ecosystems and groundwater supplies, if not disposed of properly. So, what are some safe ways to get rid of old cologne?

One option is to take it to a local hazardous waste facility, as these products are often considered hazardous waste. You can also look for a problem waste drop-off center or contact a hazardous waste collection group to pick up the cologne from your home. If you're unable to find a facility or collection group nearby, it's best to secure the lid tightly and place the bottle in a covered container before disposing of it in the trash.

However, before getting rid of old cologne, consider whether it can be reused or repurposed. You can give it away to friends or family, donate it to a charity shop or women's shelter, or even sell it online. You can also get creative and use it as a room diffuser, add it to a humidifier, or spritz it on your curtains or bedding to keep your space smelling fresh.

So, while it may be tempting to simply pour old cologne down the drain, it's important to dispose of it properly to protect the environment and those around you.

How to dispose of cologne safely

If you have old cologne that you want to get rid of, it's important to dispose of it safely and responsibly. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do that:

Do Not Pour It Down the Drain or Flush It

Firstly, it's important to note that you should not pour cologne or perfume down the drain or flush it down the toilet. Cologne contains chemicals and alcohol that can be harmful when released into aquatic ecosystems and can even affect groundwater supplies. These chemicals are considered hazardous waste and can be flammable.

Check Local Regulations

Before disposing of your cologne, check your local waste management ordinances and regulations. Some areas have specific rules and regulations for disposing of potentially hazardous materials. You can usually find this information on your town or city's website.

Place Bottles in the Trash

If your local regulations allow it, you can place your cologne bottles in the trash. Make sure to secure all lids, nozzles, and caps to prevent spills.

Drop Off at a Hazardous Waste Facility

Some areas have hazardous waste facilities or problem waste drop-off centers where you can take your unwanted cologne. Place the bottles in a sturdy container with tight-fitting lids to prevent spills, and drop them off at the designated facility. These facilities will ensure that your cologne is disposed of in a way that won't harm the environment.

Contact a Hazardous Waste Collection Group

You can also contact a hazardous waste collection group to see if they offer pick-up services for hazardous waste. They may be able to come to your home to collect the cologne.

Recycle the Glass Bottles

If your cologne bottles are empty, you can recycle the glass. Make sure there is no liquid left in the bottles, and then place them with the rest of your recycling. You can also donate empty glass bottles to a bottle bank, if available in your area.

Donate or Regift

If you have unused cologne, consider donating it to a charity shop or women's shelter. Make sure the seal is intact, as some organizations may not accept opened bottles. You can also regift the cologne to friends or family members who may appreciate it.

Repurpose the Bottle

Instead of throwing away the bottle, you can repurpose it as a decorative item or a flower vase. You can also fill it with beads or glitter to create a cute room ornament.

Ways to reuse cologne before disposal

Before getting rid of old cologne, there are several ways to reuse it. Here are some suggestions:

For the Bottle

• Vase: You can use the bottle as a vase for flowers, adding a touch of elegance to your space.
• Display: Turn the bottle into a decorative piece by showcasing it on a stylish tray or shelf.
• Art: Embrace your creativity and transform the bottle into a work of art.
• Candle holder: Fill the bottle with small candles to add warmth to your space.
• Wedding favours: If you're planning a wedding, use the bottles as unique party favours by filling them with small treats or custom scents.
• Glitter globe: Get crafty and fill the bottle with glitter, water, and glycerin for a sparkling display.
• Reed diffuser: Fill the bottle with essential oils and pop in some reeds to make your own stylish reed diffuser.
• Mini planter: Turn the bottle into a mini planter for small succulents or air plants, adding a touch of nature to your space.
• Light feature: Insert a string of fairy lights into the bottle to create a magical glow.
• Storage: Use the bottle as decorative storage for small items like beads, bath salts, or spices.
• Jewellery holder: Glue decorative items like beads, ribbons, or fabric to the bottle to create a pretty jewellery holder.

For the Cologne

• Air freshener: Spray the cologne in your room, on curtains, or on tissue paper placed in drawers to freshen up the air.
• Linen spray: Spray the cologne on linens and place them in your closet or on hangers to fragrance your clothes.
• Carpet cleaning: Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet, vacuum it up, then place a cotton ball dipped in cologne on the carpet to leave a faint scent.
• Toilet paper rolls: Spray the cologne on toilet paper rolls for a pleasant surprise during bathroom visits.
• Bath steam: Spritz the cologne into the steam while preparing a bath or before a hot shower for an aromatherapy experience.
• Laundry: Spray the cologne on a handkerchief and place it in the dryer with your laundry to infuse your clothes with the scent.
• Scented lotion: Mix a few drops of the cologne into an unscented moisturiser to create your own scented lotion.
• Gift: Regift the cologne to someone who may appreciate it more than you do.

How to recycle cologne bottles

When it comes to recycling cologne bottles, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to properly dispose of the bottles to reduce their environmental impact. While some empty cosmetic bottles, such as those made of plastic and marked as recyclable, can be thrown into the recycle bin, this may not be the case for cologne bottles. Glass cologne bottles, for instance, may not be recyclable due to the type of glass they're made from. To determine whether a cologne bottle can be recycled, it's best to check your local guidelines or your municipality's website, which typically outlines what can and cannot be recycled.

If you're unable to recycle your cologne bottles through your local program, there are other options to consider:

• Contact the manufacturer or retailer: Some companies have recycling programs in place and will accept their used bottles and containers. They may even offer incentives such as discounts or free products for participating.
• Donate them: Certain organizations accept donations of specific items, including partially used bottles of cologne. However, guidelines can vary, so be sure to read the requirements carefully before sending in your donation.
• Repurpose or reuse them: With a little creativity, cologne bottles can be given new life. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Flower vase: Turn your empty cologne bottle into a vase by removing the pump or sprayer and adding fresh flowers or silk blossoms.
• Display piece: Fill the bottle with coloured water and display it as a decorative piece.
• Oil burner: Transform your bottle into a DIY oil burner to make your house smell amazing.
• Art: Embrace your creative side and turn your old cologne bottle into a unique work of art.
• Candle holder: Antique or vintage cologne bottles, especially those with interesting shapes, can make for elegant candle holders. Just be sure to place them on a decorative plate and keep them away from flammable objects.
• Reed diffuser: Fill your cologne bottle with a combination of neutral oil and your favourite essential oil. Add four to six diffuser reeds, and remember to flip them weekly.
• Room spray or air freshener: Create your own homemade air freshener and use your cologne bottle to spritz away unpleasant odours.
• Insect repellent: Make your own DIY insect repellent and put it in a cologne bottle with a sprayer.
• Mini planter: Use your cologne bottle to grow your favourite herbs or small plants.
• Light feature: Turn your empty cologne bottle into a unique light feature with a string light.

Charities that accept cologne donations

If you have old cologne that you no longer want, there are several options for disposing of it responsibly. One idea is to repurpose it by using it as an air freshener for your home, car, or clothing. Alternatively, you could give it to friends or family members, or donate it to a charity or shelter.

• Share Your Beauty: This charity accepts new, unopened, and unexpired cosmetics, hair and skincare products, nail polish, perfume samples, and personal care items. They aim to "put a bit of sparkle and dignity back into the lives of women and teens in crisis." You can ship donations to: Share Your Beauty Family-to-Family, PO Box 255, Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706, USA.
• Project Beauty Share: This organisation collects personal hygiene, cosmetic, and beauty products and distributes them to non-profit organisations serving women and families overcoming abuse, addiction, homelessness, and poverty. They accept lightly used products from specific categories, such as powder eyeshadows, powder blush, bronzers, highlighters, and pencil eyeliners and lip liners (only the kind that can be sharpened). For skincare and hair products, they only accept used items in pumps, tubes, and bottles; anything in a tub or jar must be new. You can ship donations to: Project Beauty Share, 2718 E. Sprague Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202, USA.
• Give and Makeup (UK-based): This UK-based charity supports women and children who have been victims of domestic violence. They accept second-hand makeup, but as they state on their website, "If you would be embarrassed to give it to a friend, please do not send it to these women." Lip glosses and mascaras must be new. You can ship donations to: Give and Makeup, P.O. BOX 855, London, W4 4AW, UK.
• Local women's shelters and girls' programs: These organisations often accept self-care products, so it's worth calling the ones nearest to you to see if they will take your cologne.

When donating cologne or other beauty products, it is important to ensure that the items are gently used, with intact packaging, and preferably at least six months away from their expiration date. It is also recommended to sanitise the products before donating them.

Other ways to give away unwanted cologne

If you have unwanted cologne, the best option is to pass it on to someone else who will make use of it. Here are some ideas for how to do this:

• Offer it to friends and family.
• Donate it to a charity shop or thrift store.
• Donate it to a women's shelter.
• Sell it online or at a swap meet.
• Give it away for free on Craigslist or a similar site.
• Leave it in a public restroom with a sign saying "free to take".
• Take it to work and let colleagues help themselves.
• Host a swap party with friends.
• Give it to pupils or students.
• Regift it.

Frequently asked questions