what do you do with...

[redandlukesmom]

All those old samples/half empty containers/things you don't really use (you get the idea) that are all stashed under the bathroom sink?

I really need to get some spring cleaning done and I have old make-up, hair products (like hair spray, styling stuff), lotions, perfumes - I don't even know what else! - under my sink and stuffed in drawers. I don't really want to fill up the trash, but it just doesn't seem right to give them away, either. I mean, who wants an almost empty thing of old lotion or perfume?

any recycle/reuse ideas out there?
thanks!

[Neeley]

All old make-up that has been partially used I throw away, especially mascara it is a breeding ground for bacteria.

My lotions, perfumes and hairsprays I no longer use but still have a good bit left in them are given away. My mom's housekeeper has lots of grandkids that love getting them. Every so often I clean out and send a big bag of stuff to her. She and her grandkids are really appreciative and don't care that they are partially used. I also send her cleaning products I did not like.

Anything unopened goes to a community center here that helps out families in that particular neighborhood.

[C@rol]

When it comes to toiletries I try to not pass them on
because of the bacteria they may have so I throw them
away. Good perfume, I have sold it and have seen them
sold on ebay (Estee Lauders Youth Dew, Opium,
Chanel 5, Red Door, etc.) my husband has allergies so
I had to get rid of them.

If they are new and it's enough of them I bag them up
and give them to Women's Shelter's. Even the samples
I get from hotels.

[Frugal Nurse]

I like your committment to avoiding the landfill.

You'd be absolutely amazed at what you can freecycle.
If you don't already belong to one.. Freecycle through yahoogroups.com
will get you on one.

Toss the mascara and eye liners.

I have seen eye shadows sprayed with a bit of rubbing alcohol to sterilize it.

Lipsticks can be made into chapstick. I saw a recipe somewhere online.

Hairspray, bath stuff, can all be put together in a box and freecycled as is.
Let the person know this 'stuff' was used and you don't use it anymore.

[Mom23boys]

I agree about tossing the old, used make-up. Besides donating the unopened samples tp women's shelters, you can go to anysoldier.com and send them to the many men and women in Iraq or Afghanistan. I am sure they would love getting them.