If you’re part of the salon world and committed to sustainability, you’ve probably heard about Green Salon Collective’s Returns Box. A simple, effective solution to divert hair and metal waste from landfill. But to make sure you’re getting the most out of it (and staying waste-smart along the way), we’ve rounded up the key do’s, don’ts and top tips every salon should know. 

First Things First: What Is the Returns Box?

The Returns Box is a sturdy collection box you fill with bags of hair and metals from your salon. Once it’s packed, Green Salon Collective will collect it for recycling, giving your salon a way to cut landfill waste and contribute to a circular economy. 

Each box holds the equivalent of around 550 clients’ worth of hair and metal waste, and filling one can save significant waste (and associated CO₂ emissions) from landfill.

Do: Smart Packing for Best Results

Getting the most out of your returns box is easy if you follow these simple steps:

1. Tape the Box Securely

Use a good-quality, thick tape to seal all edges of the box. This protects the contents during handling and keeps everything neat for processing.

2. Pack Bags of Hair & Metals Only

Only put bags of hair and metal (such as foil or colour tube metals) into the box. These are specialist waste streams that the recycling system is designed to process.

3. Use Compostable Bags for Hair

If possible, put hair into compostable bags before placing it in the box. This helps the hair dry out and reduces odours.

4. Squash Foil Before Packing

Breaking down bags of foil ensures you maximise space and fit as much material as possible into each box.

Don’t: Avoid Common Mistakes

Avoiding these missteps will make your recycling more efficient and stress-free:

❌ Don’t Overfill the Box

Never make the box bulge or overflow. 

❌ Don’t Put Other Waste Inside

Items like general rubbish, paper, plastic or PPE should be dealt with separately. Those materials can often be recycled more cost-effectively through regular kerbside services.

Top Tips for Salon Recycling Success

Plan Your Packing Routine

Assign a team member to check waste streams throughout the week. This keeps hair and metal bags ready and helps you reach box capacity faster.

Make It a Talking Point

Display a small notice or sticker by your waste area explaining what goes in the returns box. Educated teams pack correctly, reducing mistakes!

Use It to Boost Your Sustainability Story

Talking to clients about your recycling programme not only reinforces your salon’s eco-credentials, but it can also inspire others in the industry to take action.

Why It Matters

By using the Returns Box, your salon contributes to a larger effort to recycle salon waste in innovative ways — and prevent hair and metal from going to landfill. Every box returned is part of a closed-loop recycling system that supports environmental projects, social initiatives, and a genuinely greener hairdressing industry.

Whether you’re just starting your sustainability journey or you’re a seasoned eco salon, keeping these do’s, don’ts and top tips in mind will make salon waste management smoother, smarter and more impactful.