Two major companies want to tackle the problem of plastic by encouraging schools to collect used beauty products, with the promise they will award the school that gathers the most with a free playground made using the recycled items. 

Cosmetic brand Garnier and American recycling company TerraCycle have collaborated to offer all pre-schools and primary schools across Australia the opportunity to win a playground made from recycled beauty products. 

They are asking schools to enter their competition, launching on October 9, by collecting used beauty products and sending them in to TerraCycle.

All the items will be pelletised and recycled into playground equipment. 

The school that accrues the most ‘playground credits’ between October 9 and the closing date, December 8, will be awarded the free, sustainable playground. 

Participants can earn points by both ‘voting’ for their schools on the competition website and sending in used beauty products through the competition’s ‘Beauty Products Recycling Program’.

The organisers will send out free collection boxes with shipping labels for schools to gather used cosmetic items and send them back to TerraCycle. 

The local community will also be able to cast votes for individual schools throughout the competition to help them gain ‘playground credits’. 

General manager of TerraCycle, Jean Balliard, said the competition was an opportunity for communities to come together to tackle the problem of plastic.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to support your local school in their recycling efforts. It’s time to start gathering your used beauty products from home and donating them to your local school to help them try and take out top prize!”

Any brand of used cosmetics, skin care and hair care products are eligible. 

Runners up will receive monetary donations and Garnier beauty products. 

You can participate in the inaugral Garnier and TerraCycle Recycled Playground Competition by registering online: http://www.garnier.com.au/playground/