When Should I Use TerraCycle Freight Recycling Instead of a Zero Waste Box?
TerraCycle offers two recycling solutions for hard-to-recycle waste through Waster: Zero Waste Boxes and Freight Recycling.
While Zero Waste Boxes are ideal for collecting smaller quantities of waste, Freight Recycling can be a more cost-effective option for businesses generating larger volumes of a specific waste stream.
What Is TerraCycle Freight Recycling?
Freight Recycling is designed for organisations that generate bulk quantities of hard-to-recycle waste.
Instead of purchasing and returning Zero Waste Boxes, businesses can consolidate larger volumes of waste and arrange transport for recycling through TerraCycle's recycling network.
Recycling is typically charged based on the weight of the material being processed.
What Is a Zero Waste Box?
A Zero Waste Box is a pre-purchased recycling solution for specific waste streams.
Each box is designed to collect a particular type of hard-to-recycle waste, such as:
- Coffee capsules
- PPE and safety equipment
- Confectionery wrappers
- Oral care products
- Beauty packaging
- Stationery and office supplies
Once full, the box is returned to TerraCycle for recycling.
Zero Waste Boxes are often the simplest option for businesses that generate smaller quantities of waste.
Check out what materials can be recycled using TerraCycle Zero Waste Boxes here in our Help Centre.
When Is Freight Recycling a Better Option?
Freight Recycling may be a better choice if:
- You generate large volumes of a specific waste stream
- You fill multiple Zero Waste Boxes each year
- You have sufficient space to store and consolidate materials
- You are looking for a lower cost-per-kilogram recycling solution
- You operate across multiple sites and want to centralise waste collection
Businesses with ongoing recycling requirements often find Freight Recycling more economical than purchasing multiple Zero Waste Boxes.
What Types of Waste Are Suitable for Freight Recycling?
Freight Recycling is generally best suited to waste streams that are generated in significant quantities.
Examples may include:
- Manufacturing offcuts
- Product packaging waste
- PPE and safety equipment
- Commercial plastic waste streams
- Other hard-to-recycle materials accepted by TerraCycle
Availability may vary depending on the material type and recycling program.
How Does Pricing Work?
Zero Waste Boxes are purchased at a fixed price per box.
Freight Recycling is typically charged based on the weight of the material being recycled, making it a potentially more cost-effective option for larger volumes.
The final cost will depend on factors such as:
- Waste type
- Quantity of material
- Collection and freight requirements
- Processing requirements
How Do I Know Which Option Is Right for Me?
As a general guide:
| If you have... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| Small or occasional volumes of waste | Zero Waste Boxes |
| Multiple sites generating waste | Freight Recycling |
| Large volumes of a single waste stream | Freight Recycling |
| Less storage space available | Zero Waste Boxes |
| A simple, ready-to-use solution | Zero Waste Boxes |
If you're unsure which option is best for your business, Waster can help assess your waste stream and recommend the most suitable TerraCycle recycling solution.
Request a Freight Recycling Quote
Waster has partnered with TerraCycle to offer bulk recycling solutions for businesses generating large volumes of hard-to-recycle waste.
To receive an estimate, contact our team with details about:
- The type of waste
- Estimated quantity
- Collection location
- Frequency of recycling required
We'll help determine whether Freight Recycling or a Zero Waste Box is the most suitable option for your needs.