Colgate, Watsons expand HK recycling drive with new bins, eco-education push

Colgate and Watsons Hong Kong have deepened their partnership to advance sustainability through the second phase of their “Small acts, big smiles recyclable take back programme”, adding more collection points, enhancing rewards, and engaging children in hands-on recycling education.

The initiative, launched last year, allows consumers to return empty toothpaste tubes of any brand to around 180 Watsons stores. In the expanded phase, 120 stores now feature self-service collection bins, making recycling more accessible and encouraging consumers of all ages to take part.

MoneyBack members will also receive 50 points for every empty toothpaste tube returned, regardless of brand, while those purchasing selected Colgate products bearing the recyclable-tube symbol will continue to earn double points. The points can be redeemed as cash across Watsons stores, incentivising customers to integrate sustainability into daily habits.

Don't miss: Colgate and Watsons HK unveil HK's first toothpaste tube recycling programme

“Taking a small step in recycling can lead to a major stride in environmental preservation,” said Colgate. Toothpaste tubes collected from the programme’s first phase were upcycled into 1,000 sustainable pens, created in partnership with The Loops and Gaau1 Up.

These were donated to the Hong Kong Young Dentist Federation through Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures programme - extending the life of the materials while providing school supplies to underprivileged children.

As part of the relaunch, Colgate and Watsons also hosted a “Toothpaste tube upcycling workshop”, a volunteer event where children learned about recycling through hands-on activities. Participants used manual plastic shredders to turn tubes into flakes, before heating and moulding them into toothbrush stands.

Celebrity guest Sharon Chan and her son joined the session, helping to raise public awareness and demonstrating how recycling can become part of family learning.

“Encouraging sustainable living begins with education,” said Colgate. “By turning waste-reduction concepts into tangible, visible outcomes, the workshop enabled children to appreciate the positive impact of individual eco-actions and encouraged them to extend recycling practices into daily life.”

During the event, Colgate and its green partner Gaau1 Up also presented a “Reimagining daily life with recyclable” exhibition, featuring furniture, clocks, tableware, and stationery made from recycled toothpaste tubes. The displays highlighted how materials can be given a second life through design and innovation, bringing the principles of a circular economy to life.

Watsons, Hong Kong’s leading O2O health and beauty retailer, noted that the initiative aligns with its mission to make sustainable living more attainable for everyday consumers - helping them “look good, do good, and feel great” in the process.

The “Small acts, big smiles recyclable take back programme” runs until 31 December 2026.

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