Wondering how to recycle your Solmates when it has finally travelled its last kilometre? Here’s the simple answer: most of your Solmates can go into your household recycling, but if you have the roll-on applicators you’ll need to remove the roller ball and tether first.
We’re big believers that the most sustainable product is one you use again and again. That’s why Solmates are designed to be refillable, reusable and made to last. But nothing lasts forever. Eventually, your trusty Solmate might reach the end of its travelling days. So what happens then?
Here’s everything you need to know about recycling your Solmates in Australia - and how we can help if you’d rather leave the recycling to us.
First things first: can Solmates be recycled?
Yes! Solmates can be recycled, but you need to separate the different components first.
Your Solmate might look like one little colourful thing, but it is actually made up of a few different components.
The main body parts - the body, lid and base - are made from approximately:
- 80% recycled food-grade polypropylene (PP)
- 20% mineral talc
Polypropylene is a commonly recycled plastic and so these parts can go into your kerbside recycling.
The roller ball and tether are made from different materials and need to be removed before recycling the main plastic components. The roller ball is made from polyoxymethylene (POM), a different type of thermoplastic. The tether is made from silicone. This is where things get a little more complicated - different materials require different recycling processes, so the roller ball and tether shouldn't simply be tossed into your household recycling bin with the rest of your Solmate.
How to recycle your Solmates at home
If you're happy to do a little DIY recycling, here's what to do.
Step 1: Empty and clean your Solmate
Make sure there's no sunscreen, skincare, gel or other product left inside. Give the components a good wash and let them dry.
Step 2: Take your Solmate apart
Separate your Solmate into its individual components.
You'll want to separate:
✓ Body
✓ Lid
✓ Base
✗ Roller ball
✗ Tether
The body, lid and base are the bits that can go into your household recycling, where accepted by your local council.
Step 3: Remove the roller ball and tether
These components need to be handled through specialist recycling. Don't know where to send them?
That's where our Takeback Program comes in.
The easiest option: send your Solmate back to us
If you're thinking "Honestly, I have enough things to sort into different recycling bins already", we hear you. If you don't want to worry about separating everything or finding a specialist recycler, there's an even easier option: Send your old Solmate back to us and we'll take care of it.
We'd much rather receive your old Solmate than see it end up in landfill. As passionate believers in the circular economy, we're always looking for ways to keep materials in use for longer and reduce waste.
Simply email hello@solmates.com.au and we'll arrange a free shipping label so you can send your old Solmate back to us. We'll then take care of the recycling and repurposing process.
And because we're very happy you've given your Solmate another chance at life, we'll send you a 10% discount code for your next Solmates purchase.
Why can't the whole Solmate just go in the recycling bin?
We wish it were that simple! We wish our whole Solmate could simply go straight into your recycling bin. That's something we're working towards but we are not going to pretend we've got it all figured out.
Finding materials that are sustainable, recyclable, durable, safe and suitable for a product like Solmates is a bit of a balancing act.
We're continually researching and exploring new materials, manufacturing processes and end-of-life solutions that could make the entire Solmate easier to recycle - without compromising on the quality, functionality and durability you expect from it.
Because ultimately, we don't want to create a product that's easier to recycle but doesn't work as well. We want both. A Solmate that's brilliant to use, made with better materials, lasts for years and, one day, can be easily recycled in its entirety.
We're not there yet, but we're working on it, we promise!
What happens when you send your Solmate back?
This is the bit we're working hardest on.
Our goal isn't simply to collect old Solmates. We want to keep as much of the material as possible in circulation and out of landfill. In fact, we save production offcuts and defects wherever possible and use them to create limited-edition Solmates and other products.
That's the idea behind the circular economy: rather than following the traditional make → use → throw away model, we look for ways to keep products and materials useful for as long as possible.
When you send your old Solmates back to us, we can give it a new life in our production process or make sure all the components are properly recycled.
The Quick Solmates Recycling Checklist
Got an old Solmate sitting in the bathroom cupboard?
Here's your cheat sheet:
♻️ Body: Local council recycling, where accepted
♻️ Lid: Local council recycling, where accepted
♻️ Base: Local council recycling, where accepted
🚫 Roller ball: Remove and send to a specialist recycler or send it back to us
🚫 Tether: Remove and send to a specialist recycler or send it back to us
Want us to do the sorting?
Email hello@solmates.com.au and we'll arrange a free shipping label for our takeback program. We'll take care of the rest — and send you a 10% discount code as a little thank you.
One last thing…
We hope your Solmate lasts for years. We hope it goes on beach holidays, camping trips, family adventures, gym sessions, weekends away and approximately 700 trips to the airport. We hope you refill it rather than replace it. But when its travelling days are finally over, don't just throw it in the bin.
Give it one last little adventure and send it back to us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put my Solmates in the recycling bin?
Yes, but you need to separate the components first. The body, lid and base are made from recycled polypropylene and can go into your local council recycling where accepted. The roller ball and tether need to be removed.
Can the Solmates roller ball be recycled?
The roller ball is made from POM thermoplastic and needs to be handled through a specialist recycling process rather than your regular household recycling.
Can the Solmates tether be recycled?
The tether is made from silicone and should be removed before putting the main Solmates components into household recycling. You can send it back to Solmates through our takeback program.
Can I send my old Solmates back to Solmates?
Absolutely. Email hello@solmates.com.au and we'll arrange a free shipping label so you can return it to us for recycling or repurposing. We'll also send you a 10% discount code.
What plastic is Solmates made from?
The main Solmates components are made from approximately 80% recycled food-grade polypropylene and 20% mineral talc.
Where are Solmates made?
Solmates are made in Australia, in Warriewood on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
Is Solmates packaging recyclable?
Yes. Solmates packaging is made from 100% recycled material, printed with plant-based inks and is 100% recyclable. Stickers and labels are fully compostable.
