
TerraCycle
TerraCycle is a recycling business rather than a typical shop. Its UK arm opened in 2009. It collects the packaging and household waste that kerbside bins turn away, from crisp packets to coffee pods. Some programmes are free because brands pay for them. For everything else, it sells Zero Waste Boxes that you fill and send back.
Our pick at TerraCycle
Free Recycle Programs At TerraCycle!
Why this one: The only one live right now. Picks follow these rules; nobody pays for them.
TerraCycle offers1
More ways to save at TerraCycle
- Student discountTerraCycle UK offers programmes where universities and students can earn points for recycling, which can be redeemed as monetary donations to the university or a charity. They do not explicitly offer student discounts via providers like Student Beans or UNiDAYS for purchases.
- Join TerraCycle Recycling RewardsParticipants earn points for sending in qualifying waste through free recycling programmes. These points can be redeemed as cash payments to a non-profit organisation, school, or charity of their choice, or for product bundles and other charitable gifts. Each TerraCycle point is worth one penny, and a minimum of 2,000 points (£20) is typically required for redemption.
Never miss a TerraCycle deal
Follow TerraCycle and its new codes, offers and price drops land in your feed. Save any deal to come back to it.
About TerraCycle
How it works
There are two routes. Free programmes are sponsored by well-known brands and cover specific items such as coffee capsules, crisp packets, beauty packaging and some children's toys. You collect the waste, then either take it to a public collection point or post it in. An interactive map on the site shows hundreds of drop-off locations.
The paid route is the Zero Waste Box. You buy a box for a particular type of waste, fill it and return it. The price covers processing, and boxes are delivered anywhere in the UK.
Who it's for
Households with a growing pile of awkward packaging are the obvious fit. Schools, offices, community groups and universities take part too, since collections earn TerraCycle Recycling Rewards points. These can be turned into donations for a chosen school, charity or non-profit. There is no student discount on purchases, though.
Good to know
Each box is single use, so a fresh one is needed for every collection. If something goes wrong, contact customer care; the UK phone line is 01465 915018. Cards (Visa, Mastercard) and PayPal are accepted. TerraCycle also runs Loop, a reuse platform where everyday products come in durable, returnable packaging. Collected material is recycled into new products.
Sustainability at TerraCycle
Mission is to eliminate the idea of waste. All collected materials are recycled into new products.
Shop TerraCycle by category
TerraCycle quick facts
| Delivery | Recycling boxes delivered UK-wide. Free programmes available at collection points. |
|---|---|
| Returns | Recycling boxes are one-time use. Contact support for issues. |
| Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal |
| Loyalty scheme | TerraCycle Recycling Rewards |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Headquarters | New Jersey, USA (UK operations) |
| Parent company | TerraCycle |
| Stores | Hundreds of public drop-off locations |
TerraCycle contact
- Website
- terracycle.com
- Phone
- 01465 915018
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
TerraCycle FAQs
Can I send a TerraCycle box back for a refund?
Zero Waste Boxes are one-time use, so they aren't returned like normal purchases. If a box arrives damaged or something else goes wrong, contact TerraCycle's support team.
Can schools or charities benefit from TerraCycle?
Yes. Free programmes earn Recycling Rewards points, which can be redeemed as money donations to a nominated school, charity or non-profit organisation.
How do I pay for a Zero Waste Box?
TerraCycle takes Visa and Mastercard cards and PayPal for paid recycling solutions such as the Zero Waste Boxes.
What happens to the waste I send?
TerraCycle's stated mission is to eliminate the idea of waste. It says all the material it collects is recycled into new products.
How can I contact TerraCycle in the UK?
The UK customer care team can be reached by phone on 01465 915018, or by email at [email protected].
