Why do items from different programmes need to be shipped separately?

We do ask that recycling from different programmes is shipped separately, there are a couple of reasons for this.

Firstly, the waste streams are made of different materials and recycled separately, so a parcel with multiple waste streams may not be sorted correctly.

Secondly, we need to be able to bill the correct sponsor brand. The reason we are able to provide free recycling programmes to our collectors is that brands pay for the cost of recycling the waste collected through their programme. When a shipment arrives at TerraCycle it is weighed, the shipping label is scanned and the brand who sponsors that waste stream is billed accordingly.

You can read more on “Why you need to ship waste for different programmes separately” on our blog here.

Shipments under the minimum weight for the programme will still be accepted and recycled, however you will not earn TerraCycle points. Larger shipments help us to make the programme as sustainable as possible, as well as reducing the cost per shipment, so we can recycle more in the future.

If you are unable to meet the minimum shipment weight by yourself, consider collecting with family and friends, or dropping your recycling off at a public drop-off point if there is one available.