Evaluation of Cosmetic Waste Separation: A Case of Fukuoka City

Abstract

As the cosmetics market expands, the amount of cosmetic waste is expected to increase. When disposing of cosmetics, it is recommended to use up the contents and separate the containers, but few studies have examined actual cosmetic disposal practices. This study aimed to assess the separation status of cosmetic waste by collecting cosmetics samples from combustible and non-combustible waste. A total of 403 cosmetic waste items were collected from eight waste composition surveys conducted by Fukuoka City in 2023.

Visual assessment revealed that around 40% of cosmetics were disposed of without being completely used up, and an weighing showed that an average of 20% of the contents remained. An area with a high proportion of family households showed a lower level of contents separation compared to that with more single-person households. In addition, many glass-based containers were disposed of as non-combustible waste, indicating significant differences in separation cooperation rates between combustible and non-combustible waste composition surveys. Analysis by price showed that cheaper cosmetics tended to be disposed with larger amounts of contents remaining. By container type, nail polish containers were more likely to retain residues, while pump containers and wide-mouth jars were more likely to be used up.

These findings suggest that the municipality should promote awareness of cosmetic waste disposal, especially among family households; companies should develop packaging that facilitates complete use of contents; and citizens should be encouraged to comply with separation rules and reduce waste by fully using products.