Did you know that some items that cannot go in your kerbside recycling bin may be accepted through specialist recycling programs?
TerraCycle offers recycling solutions for a range of difficult-to-recycle items, such as pens, office supplies, coffee capsules, beauty packaging and some types of soft plastic packaging.
Programs, accepted materials and availability can change, so it is important to check TerraCycle’s current information before collecting or sending any items.
What is TerraCycle?
TerraCycle is a specialist recycling company that develops recycling programs for items and packaging that are not commonly accepted through council kerbside recycling services.
Depending on the material and the recycling program available, collected waste may be separated and processed so that components such as metals, fibres and plastics can be reused or recycled.
What are TerraCycle Zero Waste Boxes?
TerraCycle Zero Waste Boxes are collection boxes designed for particular categories of waste. They may be used by households, workplaces, schools, community groups and other organisations looking for a specialist recycling option.
Each box is intended for a specific waste stream. This means you need to select the correct box and only place accepted items inside it.
How do TerraCycle Zero Waste Boxes work?
- Choose the appropriate Zero Waste Box for the type of waste you want to collect.
- Check TerraCycle’s instructions to confirm which items are accepted.
- Place the box in an accessible location and collect the designated items.
- Make sure items are prepared according to TerraCycle’s requirements.
- Once the box is full, seal and return it by following the instructions supplied by TerraCycle.
Do not mix different types of waste unless the box instructions specifically state that they are accepted together.
What can TerraCycle recycle?
The waste streams accepted by TerraCycle vary according to the programs and Zero Waste Boxes currently available. Examples may include the following.
Pens, Pencils and Markers
Some programs may accept items such as pens, pen caps, mechanical pencils, markers, permanent markers and their caps.
Office Supplies
Office supply recycling options may accept selected non-electronic items such as desk organisers, binders, calendars, labels, staplers, hole punchers, dividers, correction products, paper clips, staples and binder clips.
Mailroom and Packaging Supplies
Depending on the program, accepted items may include selected plastic mailroom and packaging materials such as poly bags, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, packaging foam, air cushions and tape dispensers.
Coffee Capsules
Some TerraCycle recycling options are designed for used coffee, tea and other pre-packaged beverage capsules. Capsules may need to be emptied or prepared in a particular way before collection.
Beauty Products and Packaging
Beauty recycling programs may accept selected hair care tools and packaging, including brushes, combs, clips, hair ties, shampoo and conditioner bottles, styling product containers and other personal care packaging.
Accepted materials differ between programs, particularly for pumps, mirrors, aerosols, electrical items and packaging that still contains product.
Binders
Some specialist recycling options may accept plastic and cardboard binders that are not suitable for regular kerbside recycling.
Breakroom Supplies
Breakroom recycling options may include selected coffee capsules, disposable dining items, beverage accessories and certain plastic, paper or laminated packaging.
Disposable Gloves
Some programs may accept selected latex, nitrile, vinyl and plastic gloves. Always check the program requirements, as gloves used with hazardous or contaminated materials may not be accepted.
Soft Wrappers
Selected programs may accept wrappers from products such as chocolate, chips, muesli bars and other snacks. The types of plastic packaging accepted can vary, so check the current instructions carefully.
Media Storage
Some specialist programs may accept items such as records, cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, floppy disks, memory sticks and external storage devices.
What happens after collection?
The exact recycling process depends on the type of waste collected. Materials may be manually or mechanically sorted into categories such as metals, fibres and plastics.
- Metals may be separated, melted and recycled.
- Paper, wood and other fibres may be recycled or processed through another suitable recovery method.
- Some plastics may be cleaned, processed and converted into material that can be used to manufacture new products.
- Some items or components may be reused, refurbished or repurposed where appropriate.
Not every part of every item can necessarily be recycled. TerraCycle provides information about how each of its programs operates and what happens to the materials collected.
Why use a specialist recycling program?
Many everyday products are made from mixed materials or components that are difficult to separate through standard council recycling systems. Specialist programs can provide another option for certain items that would otherwise be sent to landfill.
However, recycling is only one part of reducing waste. Where possible, it is better to avoid unnecessary packaging, choose reusable products and reduce the amount of disposable material brought into the home or workplace.
A great point made by TerraCycle is that, in nature, there is no garbage. Everything is a natural system and waste always becomes something else. But with single-use, un-recyclable items that become landfill, we are breaking this natural cycle. This is only going to become worse as we over consume and as our population grows. We are literally filling the world with garbage, but as humans, we're also clever. Diverting as much garbage from landfill and making it into useful items again is one way we can stop this. That said, Biome believes that the ultimate solution is not recycling, but is stopping the waste product or packaging from being made in the first place. We must reduce the amount of single-use throwaway packaging and items by rejecting them at the point of purchase.
Before you start collecting
Always confirm that a current recycling program is available for your location and check the complete list of accepted and non-accepted items.
Pay particular attention to instructions about cleaning, emptying, separating or preparing items. Sending unsuitable materials can contaminate the collection and make recycling more difficult.
Purchase a TerraCycle Zero Waste Bin for Your Business, Workplace or Organisation
TerraCycle - The Story and the Brand
Founded in 2001 by Tom Szaky in the USA, TerraCycle has seen 3,783,212,164 pieces of waste recycled, and has made $15,623,511 for charity. In his tumultuous journey to turn TerraCycle into what it is today, Tom turned down $1 million in investment that compromised his goals, was named #1 CEO in America in the 30 under 30 awards, filled 100 collection points for used drink pouches in 24 hours, and made the world's first reusable tote from used plastic bags. Now, TerraCycle aims to recycle the "non-recyclable", and repurposes, reuses and composts many forms of waste it diverts from landfill. Their overall goal is to move items from a linear disposable system (where something created just ends up in landfill) to a circular one (where the item is recycled and reused again and again), and finally to a closed loop solution, where a product is used to make itself, like pens made from used pens.
Find out more about TerraCycle
Visit TerraCycle Australia to explore its current recycling programs, Zero Waste Boxes, accepted materials and collection options.
