A guide on where to donate the things you were initially planning on throwing out into the bin.
It’s the new year, and you know what this means! Lots and lots of spring cleaning. More often than not, this means throwing out a wide variety of items. Singapore produced almost 7 million tonnes of waste in 2021. With Semakau landfill expected to fill up by 2035, the importance of diverting waste is ever so crucial. From unused makeup to plastic packaging, we’ve compiled a list of places you can donate and give your items a second home.
1. where to donate unused makeup.
Dignity for the Departed is a campaign to collect unused makeup from the public as part of the embalming process, for beautification and restoration. Up until 17 January 2023, you will be able to drop off or mail in the makeup products they have requested. Excess makeup products will also be shared with other professionals in the industry.
The items that are accepted are as listed: concealers, high-coverage foundation, eyebrow pencils, blush, lipsticks, setting powders and sprays. Makeup tools, apart from double eyelid tape and false lashes, are also accepted.
Of course, new, unused makeup products would be the most ideal. However, even if your products are expired and/or lightly used, Caskey Fairprice is willing to accept these products as long as they are not dried up and cakey. Multiple quality checks will be conducted to ensure products are in good condition, so be sure to only donate items that are still usable!
Address: 37 Sin Ming Drive, #01-571, Singapore 575711
Drop off Timings: Sunday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm; Saturday, 8:30am to 1pm
2. where to donate sports shoes.
Give your sports shoes a second life with ActiveSG. Launched in July 2021, this is a permanent used shoes collection drive that takes all kinds of rubberised shoes. You will get to repurpose them into sports infrastructure like jogging tracks, fitness corners and playgrounds.
Sports shoes, school shoes, football boots without metal studs, and even slippers and sandals will be accepted. Furthermore, take a picture of the shoes you donate and get to claim and redeem rewards from the Step Up App.
You can drop off your items at ActiveSG Sport Centres, Public Parks and even Decathlon – check out the list of locations here.
3. where to donate empty skincare bottles.
L’Occitane has a permanent recycling program that accepts empty skincare bottles of any beauty brands in their commitment to reducing waste and making the world a greener place. Not only that, but when you recycle a certain number of bottles, you’ll also be able to receive free skincare samples as well!
Do take note, only the outlets at ION Orchard, Vivocity, Paragon, Plaza Singapore, Northpoint City and Raffles City are participating in this programme. Check out the full list of what they accept here.
4. where to donate plastic packaging from online shopping.
If you’re like us and like to save the bubble wrap and polymailers your items come in to reuse them, Package Pals is a great initiative to declutter your collection. They accept large polymailers, large paper envelopes, small and large padded envelopes, as well as small and large bubble wrap. Yes, even if they have been used! All you have to do is to make sure to remove any private information from the packaging. Use nail polish remover to wipe details away on glossy surfaces. Otherwise, a black marker can strike out details on paper surfaces. Then, just mail it in or drop it off at one of the locations listed below.
Drop off locations:
- Our Tampines Hub, near the SingPost POPStation or Central Plaza
- The Sustainability Project at 21 Bukit Batok Cres, #06-78 Wcega Tower, Singapore 658065
5. where to donate other items that are still usable.
Have items from the pantry that you’re unsure what to do with? Olio is a great online platform for this! Aiming to promote the culture of sharing among neighbours, the app allows you to put up listings for any items that you’re giving away, borrowing to others, or even things you might be looking for. Initially meant for food, it has now expanded to other categories including clothes, books and furniture. If you’re not in a rush to throw out the items, why not put them up on the app and give them a new home?
Spring cleaning always acts as a reminder of the number of items we have cumulated throughout the year. So while repurposing them is always a good idea, perhaps the next step is to participate in a no-buy or a low-buy!
If you enjoyed this article, why not check out this list of thrift stores in Singapore for some Chinese New Year shopping, or a guide on cruelty-free makeup.
