Household waste, Reduce and reuse, Zero waste
Almost all of us use it: deodorant spray. Handy, fresh and available everywhere. But did you know that deodorant spray can't be recycled properly? That has nothing to do with the goodwill of the waste processor. The reason is simple: the can is under pressure, which makes it dangerous and unsuitable for recycling.
Why deodorant spray is general waste
Even when your deodorant is "empty", a little propellant always stays behind in the can. That pressure makes the risk of explosion too big for sorting plants. So every deodorant spray, however sustainable the packaging looks, ends up in general waste. Which is a shame, really, because the can is made of aluminium, and aluminium recycles perfectly well. But the pressure turns it into a single-use product after all, and fortunately one we can easily replace.
Luckily there are better options, and we share them below. Oh, and some of the links are affiliate links. If you buy something through one of them, it costs you nothing extra, but EcoScan earns a little from it. That helps us keep writing sustainable tips like these for you.
What are better alternatives?
1. Roll-on deodorant in a glass bottle
A glass roll-on is one of the most sustainable alternatives. Glass packaging recycles well. In fact, glass is 100% recyclable.
✅ Advantages:
- Fully recyclable
- Looks luxurious
- No propellants needed
🔄 How to use it: Simple. Roll it under your armpits and you're done. And once it's empty, put it in the bottle bank and the packaging is recycled 100%.
👉 See the alternative
2. Roll-on deodorant in (recycled) plastic
Glass not your thing (because of the weight or because it can break)? Then a roll-on made of (recycled) plastic is a good second choice. These roll-ons are lighter, ideal on the go, and if they are made of a single material, they are recyclable too.
✅ Advantages:
- Lightweight
- Can be made entirely of one type of plastic (mono-material), which makes recycling possible
- Often available as a refill too
💡 Note: Always check that the packaging really is made of one type of plastic. Mixed plastics are not always recycled properly.
👉 See the alternative
3. Deodorant in a cardboard stick
A cardboard deodorant stick may be the most minimalist option. No plastic, no glass: just a cardboard tube that you can put with the paper recycling after use (as long as it's clean). These deodorants are often 100% natural and cruelty-free too.
✅ Advantages:
- No general waste
- Compostable or recyclable
- Ideal for a zero waste lifestyle
- Natural ingredients
🌿 Bonus: Many of these deodorants are made by small sustainable brands, so you support conscious entrepreneurs as well.
👉 See the alternative
In short
Deodorant spray is not very sustainable, needlessly polluting and easy to replace. By switching to a more sustainable alternative, you produce less general waste and contribute to a cleaner world. And the best part? The alternatives work just as well, and they are simply better for the environment.
👉 Next time we'll tackle another commonly used but non-recyclable product. Got a suggestion? Let me know!
📲 Always want to know for sure where your packaging belongs? Download the EcoScan app for free and scan your packaging for sorting advice or sustainable alternatives.