Consumers are being encouraged to recycle their used plastic and glass cosmetic containers under a new project that offers them cosmetic samples as a reward for recycling.

Singapore has seen a surge in cosmetic and skincare consumerism by 6 per cent from 2011 to 2012, but the recycling of cosmetic packaging and toiletries has been overlooked, noted a release by the National Environment Agency (NEA) on Monday.

This latest green initiative will be launched on April 7 and is a joint effort by NEA and cosmetic company Origins Singapore.

For one year, the public can drop their cosmetic containers from any brands for recycling at all Origins' counters, located at Isetan Scotts, Robinsons Raffles City and Centrepoint, Metro Paragon or Tangs VivoCity. The project aims to collect a target of 8,000 cosmetic containers.