When To Toss Your Cologne: A Guide To Knowing When

Whether you're tired of the scent or it's expired, throwing away cologne can be tricky. While it's tempting to pour it down the drain, this is a bad idea as cologne contains chemicals and alcohol that can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems and groundwater supply. Instead, you can give it away to friends or family, donate it to a charity shop, or repurpose the bottle. If you do decide to throw it away, make sure to dispose of it at a hazardous waste facility or a neighbourhood drop-off point for toxic household items.

• Developed a strange smell
• Appearance has changed
• Slowly disappearing
• Causes skin irritation | | How to prolong cologne | - Don't store in direct sunlight
• Keep away from heat
• Keep using until the bottle is empty
• Store in a closed cupboard
• Ensure you are replacing the cap properly
• Avoid shaking the bottle | | How to dispose of cologne | - Place bottles in the trash if recommended by your town
• Store cologne in a covered container and drop off at a designated facility
• Call a hazardous waste collection group to pick up
• Give to a charity shop
• Donate to a women's shelter
• Offer to friends and family |

How to know if cologne has expired

So, you're wondering if your cologne has expired? It's definitely possible—but there are a few things you can do to check.

Firstly, how long have you had it? According to experts, an open fragrance can last about two years, while an unopened bottle can last several years, depending on how it's stored. If your cologne is more than a couple of years old, it's probably a good idea to test it before you use it.

One of the most obvious signs that your cologne has expired is a change in smell. If it smells sour, metallic, or astringent, it's probably past its prime. Scents with large alcohol concentrations may also start to smell like vinegar when they expire.

Another thing to look out for is a change in appearance. Has the colour changed? Is it darker or more opaque than it used to be? Scents can become oxidised over time, which can cause them to turn cloudy or opaque.

You might also notice that your cologne is slowly disappearing, even though you haven't been using it. This is because it's evaporating—another sign that it's expiring.

If you notice any of these signs, it's probably time to say goodbye to your cologne. But don't throw it away! There are plenty of eco-friendly ways to dispose of unwanted fragrances. You could donate it to a charity shop or women's shelter, give it to a friend or family member, or even repurpose the bottle as a vase or decoration.

How to dispose of cologne safely

If you have cologne that you need to dispose of, it's important to do so safely and responsibly. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure you get rid of your cologne in an eco-friendly manner:

• Do not pour it down the drain or flush it down the toilet: Cologne contains chemicals and alcohol that can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems and groundwater supplies.
• Check your local guidelines: Look up your local waste management ordinances to see if cologne is considered hazardous waste in your area. Some regions have specific rules and regulations for disposing of fragrances.
• Contact your local waste provider: Ask if cologne can be thrown in the regular trash or if it needs to be picked up by a local hazard waste collection group.
• Place it in the trash if recommended: If your town or city recommends disposing of cologne in the trash, make sure to collect all your cologne bottles, secure the lids and nozzles to prevent spills, and place them in a garbage bin for collection.
• Store it in a covered container for drop-off: If you need to drop off your cologne at a designated facility, place the bottles in a sturdy plastic bin with tight-fitting lids to prevent spills. Keep the cologne in its original container for easy identification.
• Find a local hazardous waste facility: Look for a local hazardous waste facility or drop-off center and drive your unwanted cologne bottles there for proper disposal.
• Contact a hazardous waste collection group: Check if there is a municipal group that can come to your home to pick up the cologne. Schedule an appointment for them to collect the cologne bottles.
• Recycle empty bottles: Once you have finished using your cologne and the bottles are empty, you can recycle them with the rest of your glass recycling. Make sure the bottles are completely empty and free of any residual fragrance.
• Donate unused cologne: If you have sealed, unused bottles of cologne, consider donating them to a charity shop, women's shelter, or a local group such as a Buy Nothing group.
• Offer it to friends and family: If you have loved ones who might be interested in your cologne, offer it to them before disposing of it.
• Repurpose the bottles: Instead of throwing away the cologne bottles, you can repurpose them as decorative vases, hanging decorations, or storage containers for items like beads or glitter.
• Reduce future purchases: To avoid having to dispose of cologne in the future, try to be more selective when purchasing fragrances. Only buy what you know you will use to reduce waste.

How to recycle cologne bottles

It is important to dispose of and recycle perfume bottles properly, as they contain ingredients that should not be disposed of in the trash or recycle bins. Here are some ways to recycle cologne bottles:

Check your local guidelines

An easy way to determine whether a package or bottle can be recycled is to check your municipality's website. They typically have a page on recycling that outlines what can and cannot be recycled.

Contact the manufacturer

Some companies have recycling programs and will accept their used bottles and containers. Depending on the company, they may offer incentives such as discounts or free products to customers who use these programs.

Donate to specific organisations

Certain organisations are set up to take donations of specific items that are unused or only minimally used. Typically, organisations that accept makeup or hygiene products require donations that have not been opened, while some may take partially used bottles of perfume.

Repurpose the bottles

With a little imagination, cologne bottles can be reused and repurposed. Here are some ideas:

• Turn them into flower vases
• Turn them into candle holders
• Turn them into reed diffusers
• Turn them into a glitter globe
• Turn them into mini planters
• Turn them into a light feature
• Create a cooling mister
• Make your own room spray or perfume
• Fill with DIY insect repellent
• Create a candle holder
• Use as a decorative ornament

Give them away

If you are not interested in repurposing the bottles yourself, you can give them away to friends, family, or crafty people who will find new ways to use them. You can also list them for sale on sites like Craigslist or eBay.

How to increase the shelf life of cologne

Cologne does expire, and its shelf life depends on factors such as chemical composition, manufacturing process, packaging, and storage. To increase the shelf life of cologne, there are several measures you can take:

• Keep it away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight breaks down the chemical structure of the cologne, making it unstable and prone to oxidation.
• Store it in a cool, dry place. The ideal temperature to store cologne is below 15 degrees Celsius or 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid storing it in places with fluctuating temperatures, such as the bathroom.
• Keep it in its original airtight bottle. The bottle it comes in is designed to protect the cologne from oxidation. Avoid decanting it into different bottles or atomizers unless necessary.
• Ensure the cap is tightened properly after each use. Oxygen is the enemy of cologne, and even a couple of hours with the top off can affect the chemical balance and cause evaporation.
• Avoid shaking the bottle. Disturbing the liquid can create unwanted oxidation via bubbles, which will spoil the composition.
• Use it regularly and finish the bottle before moving on to another scent. The oxygen in the bottle can alter the cologne, and using multiple colognes simultaneously will cause them all to expire more quickly.
• Store it in its original box inside a closed cupboard or drawer. Keeping it away from light and fluctuations in temperature and humidity will help prolong its shelf life.

What to do with unwanted cologne

There are many ways to dispose of unwanted cologne, but it is important to remember that it should not be poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet. This is because cologne contains chemicals and alcohol that can be harmful to the environment and water sources. Instead, here are some alternative ways to get rid of unwanted cologne:

• Check if your town or county has specific recommendations for disposing of cologne. Some areas may suggest placing the bottles in the trash, but only if they are secure and won't spill.
• If your local government has designated a drop-off facility for hazardous waste, you can place your cologne in a sturdy container and take it there for proper disposal.
• Contact a hazardous waste collection group to see if they can pick up your cologne from your home.
• If the cologne is unopened or unused, you can donate it to a charity shop, women's shelter, or thrift store.
• Offer the cologne to friends or family—it could be a great gift!
• If you only have a small amount left, you can get creative and use the cologne for things like scenting letters, spraying on curtains or bedding, or adding to a bath.
• You can also repurpose the bottle as a vase or decoration.
• Sell your unwanted cologne online or trade it with friends.

Frequently asked questions