One of the key reasons recycling isn’t more widespread is that there are many household items (like paintbrushes, for example) that simply can’t be recycled as easily as bottles or cans. However, a new initiative from TerraCycle hopes to make recycling these items more convenient.
TerraCycle is in the process of rolling out a nationwide waste collection system in big box stores like Home Depot, Petco, Office Max, and Best Buy that allows customers to place non-recyclable items into receptacles at these locations. The waste is then transported to TerraCycle, where it’s cleaned and upcycled into a new product, which is then sold back to the retail store.
What’s more, there’s an additional charitable aspect to the TerraCycle waste collection system. According to TreeHugger, for every unit of waste you deposit, TerraCycle will donate two cents to charity. This doesn’t sound like much at first, but if each customer to the average Home Depot brought in a garbage bag of non-recyclable goods, the sum can add up quite quickly over the course of a year.
Mass-Market Recycling Initiatives
TerraCycle's National Waste Collection Effort in Big Box Stores
Trend Themes
1. Convenient Waste Collection - A trend in waste collection is the establishment of convenient drop-off points in big box stores, allowing customers to easily recycle non-recyclable items.
2. Upcycling and Product Innovation - The trend of upcycling waste materials into new products presents opportunities for innovation in creating sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives.
3. Charitable Recycling Programs - A trend in waste management is the integration of charitable aspects, where customers can contribute to charity while recycling non-recyclable items.
Industry Implications
1. Waste Management - The waste management industry can seize the opportunity to establish more convenient collection systems and explore upcycling processes to reduce waste.
2. Retail - Retail industry players, especially big box stores, can support the implementation of waste collection systems and collaborate with upcycling companies to sell eco-friendly products.
3. Charity and Non-profit - Charity and non-profit organizations have the potential to partner with waste collection initiatives, creating mutually beneficial programs that raise funds while promoting eco-consciousness.