International recycling leader TerraCycle is celebrating a decade of recycling hard-to-recycle waste streams in Australia and New Zealand since starting its local operations in 2014, and having since kept nearly 100 million items out of landfills and incinerators within the region.
The achievement was made possible by more than 50 million pieces of hard-to-recycle waste via TerraCycle’s free brand-sponsored programs, in addition to the waste recycled through Zero Waste Boxes and commercial freight programs. Globally, TerraCycle has recycled more than 8.3 billion items.
In 2014, TerraCycle expanded operations into the Australian and New Zealand markets with just four waste streams: oral care waste, coffee capsules, beauty empties and cigarette butts, all of which are still recycled today through different programs.
Today, TerraCycle’s regional capacity has grown to include more than 60 free recycling programs with some of the most popular brands in Australia and New Zealand, such as Nescafe Dolce Gusto, Lavazza, Glad, Royal Canin, and many more.
Of the 60 free recycling programs, 22 are dedicated to recycling empty skincare, haircare, and makeup products and packaging with brand partners like Mecca, Sephora, Garnier, L’Occitane, Maybelline and Schwarzkopf accepting all brands in their categories, making it even easier for consumers to recycle everyday household waste.
“TerraCycle could not have achieved this milestone without the support of our brand partners and the commitment of TerraCyclers across Australia and New Zealand,” said Jean Bailliard, general manager of TerraCycle ANZ.
“We’re proud to have been able to work closely with some of our brand partners to use the waste recycled through their programs to help create things like Mecca’s in-store recycling collection bins, and L’Occitane’s Green Store benchtops and sinks.
“Additionally, TerraCycle has raised millions for schools, charities and other non-profits globally through the TerraCycle Recycling Rewards program, as well as sponsored community donations, such as playgrounds and garden beds from recycled materials.
“Across Australia and New Zealand alone, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised for charities and schools, including Australia’s first playground made of recycled beauty empties in collaboration with Garnier.”
Over the decade, the ANZ TerraCycle network has grown from just a few thousand to more than 1.2 million TerraCyclers, which includes thousands of dedicated schools, pre-schools and tertiary education institutions recycling for faculties, students and families.
Many operate as TerraCycle public drop-off points alongside councils, small businesses and environmental organisations that recycle for their wider communities. The public drop-off network has grown from just 11 locations in 2014 to more than 2500 locations in 2024.
