What do I do to dispose of personal care products?

[no_hypocrisy]

Again, I'm clearing out my father's home to sell it.

There are at least 20 half-used bottles of shampoo, conditioners, cologne, aftershave, etc.

I want to recycle the bottles but I don't feel I should pour the contents down the drain even with water filtration, etc. Nor do I think I should pour them outside. I'm not going to use them.

Do I just empty them into the garbage and recycle the bottles?

Thanks!

[NYC_SKP]

1. Tough call, available services vary by location.

In some parts of California, for example, waste disposal services might take them all and do the right thing.

Some cities might allow donation to shelters.

In no event should they go into the sewer or storm drain.

In most cases, however, it's probably best to dump them in a landfill, unless they are petroleum or solvent based, in which case they present a special hazard.

Good on you for wanting to know and wanting to recycle the containers, at least.

[ret5hd]

2. Homeless shelters

[Curmudgeoness]

3. Too bad you don't know someone like me.

Although I would not have use for the cologne and aftershave, I would have no problem taking half-used shampoos, soaps, etc. Do you know anyone who is struggling financially? Every little bit helps when you have cash problems. It isn't like you are talking about half-eaten candy bars.

I don't know if homeless shelters or other crisis centers would take these or not. Some places, it would not be legal for them to take them. But it would be worth a call.

[ginnyinWI]

4. do you have a church?

You could bring them and put them on a "give away" table, maybe, or else someone might know who to give them too--needy families. If they know where they are coming from they probably won't have a problem with it.