Black Friday is marketed as the ultimate deal day, the moment to score everything you’ve ever wanted at a price too good to pass up. But behind the flashy banners, countdown timers, and “limited stock!” warnings, there’s a darker side to this shopping holiday that rarely gets talked about.

If you’ve ever regretted a Black Friday purchase (or three), you’re not alone. And if you’ve ever wondered what really happens to all those impulse buys, overstock products, or returned items… buckle up. The truth is far from festive.

1. Up to 80% of Black Friday Purchases End Up in Landfills Within a Year

Let that sink in.

Despite the hype, deep discounts often push people to buy items they don’t actually need or products that aren’t built to last. Many of these end up:

• Unused

• Broken

• Donated (but often rejected)

• Or straight into the trash

And the worst part? Most Black Friday items are made with plastics, mixed materials, or low-quality components that can’t be recycled, meaning they go directly into landfills.

2. We Regret 3–4 Purchases Within 48 Hours

You know that “shopping high” feeling? Companies rely on it.

Studies show the average American regrets three to four Black Friday purchases within two days. These are usually:

• Impulse items

• Trendy gadgets

• Clothing “because it was cheap”

• Duplicates of things they already own

The psychology is simple: excitement + time pressure = poor decisions.

3. Impulse Buying Spikes by 65% on Black Friday

Why?
Two words: scarcity messaging.

“Only 3 left!”
“Going fast!”
“Ends in 2 hours!”

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: most companies can restock whenever they want. They’re not running out. They’re not on the edge of supply collapse. Many brands intentionally manufacture urgency to manipulate shoppers into buying quickly instead of thoughtfully.

4. Holiday Returns in the U.S. Produce 6 Billion Tons of Waste

This is one of the most hidden and shocking facts.

When you return a Black Friday purchase, you’d think brands put it back on the shelf, right? Wrong. Most big retailers find it cheaper to:

• Trash returns

• Incinerate them

• Sell them to liquidation buyers (who trash the leftovers)

It’s estimated that holiday returns generate 6 BILLION tons of landfill waste in the U.S. alone every single year.

The waste is staggering.

5. Brands Overproduce on Purpose

This is the big one.

Companies intentionally overproduce merchandise ahead of Black Friday so they can:

• Create illusion-of-choice

• Keep prices artificially low

• Drive bigger shopping sprees

• Dump leftovers overseas or in landfills

Overproduction is one of the leading causes of global waste, and Black Friday fuels the cycle every year.

So… What Can We Do Instead?

Black Friday doesn’t have to be destructive. You can shop smarter, more intentionally, and in ways that support people and the planet.

A few ideas:

✨ Buy from small businesses (handmade, local, or plastic-free is a bonus)
✨ Choose items that last  not just momentary trends
✨ Pause before clicking “add to cart”
✨ Shop your own home first (you probably already have half the things on your list)
✨ Invest in gifts that don’t create waste beauty refills, digital goods, experiences, or consumables

Small choices matter. Conscious shopping matters. And knowing the truth behind Black Friday gives you the power to opt out of the waste cycle  or shop in a way that aligns with your values.