What is it and how can you get involved?
TerraCycle is a company that partners with manufacturers of a bunch of the *stuff* that we use every day to recycle materials that can’t go in you curbside bin. There are two types of programs – free ones sponsored by brands and paid ones called Zero Waste Boxes.
To participate in one of the 144 free programs, just start collecting the items listed on the website. Some programs only accept a specific brand’s packaging and others accept any kind. Once you’ve collected enough items (some programs have minimums), download and print the free shipping label, slap it on your reused cardboard box, and send it off with a smile to your mail carrier!
If you want to really lean in, opt for one (or more!) of the 103 Zero Waste Boxes. You pay for TerraCycle to send you a box to store in you home, office, school, etc., then you fill it up and send it back using the included shipping label when it’s full. These boxes can get a little pricey, but they do occasionally have 20-30% off sales throughout the year, making them more reasonable. I have the snack wrapper recycling box in my apartment and paid just over $60 during the Earth Week sale for it. People say they can spend 2+ years filling one box before sending it back, making it more worth the money. If that’s just not in your budget, don’t fret – focus on other ways to reduce your waste!
*Note: TerraCycle is a private company, so there’s not too much info out there about what really happens to everything sent in to be recycled. Although it’s widely praised by the eco community, I believe the company should increase the transparency of their processes. Always have at least an ounce of skepticism for any company claiming to be green!