Can I Wash Biodegradable Glitter Down the Drain?
So, you’ve got your hands on some biodegradable glitter (welcome to the sparkle revolution!) and you’re feeling good about your eco-friendly choices. However, one big question keeps popping up:
“If it’s biodegradable, can I wash it down the drain?” 💧
The short answer? No. Here’s why.
PSA: Glitter and drains don’t mix
Why Biodegradable Glitter Doesn’t Belong in the Drain
While biodegradable glitter is made from plant-based materials and breaks down in the right conditions, sending it down the drain isn’t the ideal way to dispose of it.
1. The Right Conditions Matter
Biodegradable glitter breaks down in natural settings like soil or freshwater, where microbes and bacteria help the process along. Your plumbing system isn’t exactly the microbial party glitter needs to disappear.
2. Glitter in Waterways Is Still Glitter in Waterways
Even biodegradable glitter takes time to degrade. Washing it down the drain could send it to water treatment plants, which aren’t always equipped to filter out tiny particles. From there, it could escape into rivers, lakes, or oceans, potentially causing harm before it breaks down.
3. It’s About Responsible Disposal
Choosing biodegradable glitter is a step toward reducing microplastic pollution, but how we dispose of it matters just as much.
How to Dispose of Biodegradable Glitter The Right Way
✨ Step 1. Wipe, Don’t Wash: Use a damp cloth or biodegradable wipe to remove glitter from your skin or hair.
✨ Step 2. Bin It: Dispose of used glitter in your general waste or compost bin. If your glitter is certified compostable, it can safely break down in industrial composting facilities.
✨ Step 3. Avoid Washing It Away: Keep it out of sinks, showers, or drains to prevent it from entering fragile ecosystems.
Why This Matters
Switching to biodegradable glitter is about reducing harm to the environment—but it’s not a magical fix. If you don’t dispose of it properly, it can still end up where it shouldn’t. By disposing of it thoughtfully, you’re making sure it fulfills its promise to sparkle without harm.
Ready to do better? Check out our biodegradable glitter range here.