Getting Started with TerraCycle
Most of the world understands the importance of recycling, even though far too many people and companies are not yet on board. Enter TerraCycle, a universal recycling company that presently serves 20 countries around the globe – with more coming on board regularly.
What is TerraCycle?
Terracycle is a social enterprise that is working on a global level to eliminate waste. They take a multi-faceted approach to recycling. The company is a resource through which almost anything can be recycled – with the goal being to recycle everything.
If you take a look around the TerraCycle website, you’ll find all sorts of items, many you probably haven’t even thought of, that can be recycled. They work with companies in many industries to develop programs for hard-to-recycle materials. For instance, one of their latest partners in recycling efforts is Gillette. For the first time ever, the two are working on a plan to make razors recyclable. TerraCycle offers free recycling programs funded by specific brands, retailers, and manufacturers. This allows them to collect and recycle many hard-to-recycle items.
Types of Recycling Programs
When you look through the TerraCycle site, it can be overwhelming since there are so many options available. In order to make a larger impact, TerraCycle offers several recycling programs. They have free programs, Zero Waste Box paid recycling platform, municipal programs, Industrial waste solutions, and regulated waste recycling programs. They also provide comprehensive event services for businesses and organizations and the Loop which offers refillable containers that can be filled up with recyclables. For now, let’s just focus on ways to use the free recycling program.
How does the free TerraCycle recycling program work?
Getting started using the free program is simple in itself. Choose an available program or programs that work for you and start collecting the appropriate recyclables. Download a free shipping label or use the one inside the designated envelope if available. Send the waste in to be recycled. Many of the free programs also include incentives for schools and charities. In some areas, drop-off locations have been established. You can search for a drop-off location near you for those hard-to-recycle objects.
Tips for Getting Started
If you are just looking through the vast TerraCycle site for the first time, it can be a little overwhelming. It’s also exciting to find out about all the ways that are now available to start recycling. But trying to decide where and how to start can be a bit too much. We’ve broken it down into some simple tips and ideas to get you started.
Choose a Recycling Program
First, you can go to the Free Recycling Programs listed on the website. Most of these recycling solutions are for hard-to-recycle items. You can join as many of the programs as you would like. If you have not used the program before, start by choosing one to participate in. These programs have corporate sponsors so be careful to pay attention to the specific brand names when choosing a recycling program to participate in.
Check Out the Details
Be sure to read the associated about page. For example, the Bic Stationery Recycling Program will take all brands of empty writing utensils, glue sticks, and other items as listed. On the other hand, the Arm& Hammer & Oxiclean pouch recycling program only takes the two mentioned brands. Click on any program you are interested in participating in to learn what items can be collected and if there are any limits on the brands you can collect.
Two Kinds of Free Programs
Another thing to watch for is the type of free program you are participating in. They are both free, of course, but for some, you will collect items, package them in an appropriate container like a postal box, print out a free label, and mail them in. Others you will first order an envelope, fill it with the appropriate recyclable items, then send it in. You may also check to see if there is a designated drop-off location near you
Start with one item so you can learn how the process works. Then as you are comfortable with the process, start adding more items to recycle. Build up to two or three or more if you and your family can handle it. Together, we can all make the world a better place!
