Luxury Retailer Harrods Uk trials used cosmetics recycling scheme.

Harrods is trialing a new scheme which allows H Beauty customers to recycle typically ‘unrecyclable’ cosmetics products – a first of its kind for a UK retailer.

The My Beauty Recycle & Reward programme accepts used nail polishes and fragrances, which are two types of hazardous beauty products normally destined for landfill.

Other beauty products that can be dropped off include make-up compacts, mascara, eyeshadow containers, shampoo, lotion pumps, and skin care and vitamin bottles.

Concealer, foundation, eyeliner pencils, lip products and travel minis can also be deposited.

The luxury department store is working with recycling partner MyGroup on the pilot scheme.

It will run for three months at Harrods’ Milton Keynes branch and then be reviewed.

How does Harrods’ beauty recycling scheme work?

Products handed in by customers to the recycling bins in-store should be as empty as possible, but MyGroup’s method will remove any remaining residue.

MYGroup says it has provided recycling bins where customers can return their used cosmetic products in the store; the deposited items will then be recycled at MYGroup’s facility in Hull.

The recycling bins will be placed close to the cash registers, and staff from H beauty will be on duty to keep an eye on any customer deposits.

The scheme will be aligned to Harrods’ MyBeauty rewards programme, with customers incentivised to recycle cosmetics items to access a range of experiences and benefits, both online and in-store.

H beauty customers will be able to recycle a range of products in store, including make-up items, such as compacts, mascara and eye shadow containers, to shampoo and skincare bottles, lotion pumps and vitamin bottles.

The collected products will be either composted, repurposed and returned to the supply chain or manufactured into MYGroup’s “solution” for “unrecyclable” plastic waste: MYboard™ – a material similar in consistency to plywood.

For more details on the procject click here