TerraCycle

Worldwide

Issue:

Waste crisis, plastic pollution

Consequences:

Environmental damage, biodiversity loss, climate change

Approach:

Circular economy, innovative solutions, Zero Waste Boxes

Transforming Waste Into Opportunity

TerraCycle is at the forefront of tackling global waste challenges, embodying the principle that everything is recyclable. This pioneering company is dedicated to diverting materials that are typically not accepted by traditional waste management systems, such as complex beauty product packaging, chip bags, and other hard-to-recycle items. Their innovative solutions not only help save millions of tons of waste from landfills but also provide sustainable pathways for individuals and businesses to manage their waste responsibly, no matter where they are located.

Redefining What's Possible in Recycling

By partnering with businesses, governments, and communities across over 20 countries, TerraCycle offers a wide range of programs focused on collecting these uncommon waste streams. Their initiatives empower consumers through accessible, easy-to-implement recycling efforts. Beyond traditional recycling, TerraCycle’s vision is to eliminate the very idea of waste by transforming collected materials into new, valuable products, driving the shift toward a truly circular economy.

TerraCycle enables companies and individuals to send in materials that are otherwise deemed unrecyclable. TerraCycle offers many free recycling programes where consumers can recycle certain types of waste (check the particular country website you are wanting to recycle in) where it has a brand sponsoring a recycling solution for that waste. Plus, it also offers a paid for recycling solution via its Zero Waste Box solution for as wide variety of types of waste where it can’t offer a free solution. Additionally, TerraCycle has collaborated with major brands and retailers to help rethink packaging and reduce waste through their Loop platform, which is reshaping the packaging industry and encouraging the shift toward reusable and sustainable packaging options.

Why It Matters

Waste management is a critical global issue, with landfills overflowing and plastic waste continuing to pollute ecosystems around the world. Millions of tons of plastic waste enter our oceans each year, threatening marine life and ecosystems. By addressing these issues with cutting-edge recycling methods and championing circularity, TerraCycle is making a profound contribution to environmental sustainability and helping create a cleaner, healthier planet.

Driving Global Change

TerraCycle empowers individuals, businesses, and communities to become active participants in the global effort to reduce waste. Their ongoing projects have helped thousands of people and organizations significantly reduce their carbon footprints, proving that creative recycling and thoughtful consumption can lead to meaningful change. TerraCycle isn't just managing waste; it's transforming our relationship with materials and setting a new standard for a more resilient planet.

Photo Credits: ©
TerraCycle
Various stages of TerraCycle’s recycling process including sorting, shredding plastic waste, and manufacturing new products from recycled materials
Community TerraCycle drop-off points with volunteers collecting and sorting various types of household waste packaging for recycling
TerraCycle recycling bins and Loop reusable product shelves in grocery stores, showing circular economy integration in retail spaces

Join Our Heroes Community

Do you feel that your idea, project, or organization could make a meaningful difference for our planet? Are you actively working to create positive change?

We would love to provide you with a platform and welcome you as part of our "Heroes" community.