START THE NEW YEAR OUT PITCHING OLD COSMETICS AND PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

HUFF POST - MAKEUP EXPIRATION DATES  link to full article.  "... it's pretty important to pay attention to makeup expiration dates since a bottle of too-old foundation can quickly turn into a jar of breakout-causing bacteria. Yikes."

Mascara has one of the shortest shelf lives out there, clocking in at around three months.

Anything cream-based (foundation, blush or shadows) last from about 12 to 18 months. Since they contain oil, they tend to break down faster than powder formulas, which can last about two years.

Lipstick expires after a year, while gloss will make it to the 18-month mark. Eye makeup has a decidedly shorter existence. While a pencil liner can last up to 2 years, since you're constantly sharpening it, you should only keep a pot of gel liner for about two months. These formulas break down fast and can contain lots of bacteria.

ON PRESCRIPTION DRUGS :  I called my local pharmacy to ask about this.  When it comes to old over the counter drugs, I was told the idea is to throw them in the regular trash along with coffee grinds or old orange peels to deter garbage pickers from using them.  For prescription drugs it is no longer ecology minded to flush them down the toilet or throw them in the trash.  Some may last past the expiration date on the bottle, but call to ask.  Also ask if your local pharmacy collects old scripts for donation or if there are any special recycling events locally.