How Does TerraCycle Recycle Hard-to-Recycle Waste?
Many everyday items are difficult to recycle through standard kerbside recycling systems. Materials such as coffee capsules, confectionery wrappers, PPE, beauty product packaging, and other specialty waste streams often require specialised recycling processes.
Through TerraCycle's recycling programs and Zero Waste Boxes, these materials can be collected and processed into new raw materials for manufacturing.
What Happens to Waste After It Is Collected?
Once your Zero Waste Box is returned or your recycling collection is received, the waste is transported to TerraCycle's local Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).
At the facility, the materials are:
- Checked in and recorded
- Sorted by waste stream
- Separated into individual material types
- Prepared for recycling and processing
This ensures that each material is directed to the most appropriate recycling solution.
How Are Materials Recycled?
After sorting, materials are sent to specialised recycling partners across Australia.
Depending on the waste type, the recycling process may involve:
- Shredding materials into smaller pieces
- Separating plastics, metals, fibres, and other components
- Cleaning and preparing materials for reuse
- Processing materials into recycled raw materials
These recycled materials can then be used to manufacture new products and reduce the need for virgin resources.
Why Can't These Materials Go in Kerbside Recycling?
Many hard-to-recycle items contain multiple materials or are too small, flexible, or complex for conventional recycling systems to process efficiently.
Examples include:
- Flexible plastic packaging
- Coffee capsules
- Toothbrushes and oral care products
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Beauty and cosmetic packaging
- Stationery and office supplies
TerraCycle's specialised recycling programs are designed specifically to recover materials that may otherwise be sent to landfill.
How Does TerraCycle Ensure Materials Are Recycled?
TerraCycle guarantees that all accepted waste received through its Zero Waste Boxes and recycling programs is recycled.
To support this commitment, TerraCycle:
- Tracks materials throughout the recycling process
- Works with approved recycling partners
- Maintains oversight of downstream material processing
- Undertakes regular supply chain auditing
TerraCycle's collection and recycling supply chains are independently audited by Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification services.
Learn More About TerraCycle's Recycling Process
To see how the recycling process works, visit TerraCycle's recycling process page and watch their recycling video for a behind-the-scenes look at how hard-to-recycle materials are transformed into new resources.
If you're unsure which TerraCycle solution is right for your waste stream, contact the Waster team for assistance.
Where can I view available TerraCycle boxes?
View Waster’s TerraCycle Zero Waste Box range here:
https://waster.com.au/product-category/terracycle-recycling-boxes/