What the heck is a refillery

Refilling laundry detergent

I can still remember the first time I walked into the local co-op with my empty shampoo bottle. It was about 20 years ago, and I felt like I should have been wearing my wool socks and Chaco sandals to fit the shopper stereotype. Instead, I trucked to the back of the store, filled my bottle and celebrated in true college kid fashion, that the savings I made on the purchase would buy me a beer at happy hour. Besides the excitement for the frothy beverage, I also felt empowered to be able to make the choice to help save some plastic from ending up in the landfill. From that day forward, I started stashing my empty salsa jars and looking for other grocery and consumable items I could purchase in bulk fashion. This wannabe hippie was going to do her part.

Oh how, the times have changed. Today, there are stores with the sole purpose is offering items in bulk. Enter, The Refillery.

What is a refillery?
It is a store that carries items in bulk for you to buy using reusable and refillable containers to help mitigate waste, offer savings and bring like-minded members of the community together. At a refillery you’ll find products in large containers or bottles with pumps or scoops so you can purchase the amount you need and pay by the ounce.

What products do refilleries offer?
Shops will differ based on size, location and the needs of the community. You can typically count on basics for cleaning and personal care, including: shampoo, body lotion, hand soap, toothpaste tabs, all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, laundry detergent and more.

What are the benefits of shopping at a refillery?
·        Shopping this way saves consumer’s money on every day products from brands that give back to the community. Bulk items are usually much cheaper than what you’ll find pre-packaged at other retailers.
·        Most of the packaging for shipping is recyclable or will be returned to the producer to be reused again and again in a closed loop system. This reduces packaging waste and helps make zero waste living accessible to all.
·        Refill shops are built to help people live more sustainable lives and tend to carry natural and good for the earth products.

How to shop at a refillery?
Shopping at a refillery is easy. Socks and sandals are not necessary. Before you go, save some containers from your fridge or pantry that you can refill. I like pickle jars. Clean all your containers with soap and hot water and make sure that they are dry before you refill.

If you’re visiting a shop for the first time, it can be helpful to check out their website to see what products and brands it offers.

If you forget or don’t have any containers, that is OK. Most refilleries will have containers for sale that you can purchase for your fills. Then the next time you visit the store, you’ll bring them back. Containers do not have to be empty if you plan to refill with the same product. Pro tip #1: Save time and the cost of multiple trips by bringing all of your containers back to the shop at the same time to be topped off. Pro tip #2: Bring extra empty containers in case there is something new you want to try.

Each shop will have a different process for refilling; Self serve to full service. Take care to read signage, ask questions and know that shop keepers are there to and want to help. The basics steps are as follows: The container will be weighed and the scale will be tared. Then the container gets filled with the product to the desired level and weighed again. This will get the product weight. The weight is multiplied by the cost of the product to get the final price of that refill. Sounds harder than it is, promise.

My days of jar and baggie saving continue to this day. I haul them around until I can hit the grocery bulk sections at the few stores that offer them locally, or I am in a more populated area that has more refill options.

Last, this Earth-loving gal, is proud to start offering some of the basics in bulk at Simple Wellness Co. The shop is currently offering laundry detergent, dish soap and hair care in the refill station and there are plans to bring in more body care very soon.

What products would you like to see offered at the refill station? Send me a message, and we’ll be excited to consider it!