The Food Storage Container and Reusable Bottle Free Recycling Programme

Click here to learn how to start a public drop-off point.

Please note: Only one drop-off location per account per programme is authorised. A minimum distance of 2 miles is required between each drop-off point unless you are in a heavily populated area. In addition, your public drop-off point must be open for at least 3 hours per week.

It’s easy to set up and manage a drop-off point, and you can recruit a group of friends to help!

Set Up: 

• Choose a location and receive permission if needed.

• Create or update your TerraCycle account profile with details about your drop-off location.

• Request to join the programmes of your choice.

• Once approved, set up your drop-off location. 
   

Manage: 

• Oversee the location (check it is being used properly, and that waste is being shipped when collection boxes are filled). 

• When boxes are filled, seal them to ship them to us. 

We encourage you to send your box when it is full of accepted waste  to minimise the transportation carbon footprint for this programme. Sending your hard-to-recycle rubbish is easy: Simply scan your prepaid QR code when you drop off your box at an InPost locker or print your prepaid shipping label to send your box via UPS. Wet/dripping packages will not be accepted, so please make sure they are dry.

Please follow the steps below to send your waste to us. We recommend the paperless service offered by InPost.
 

InPost - no printer required:

• Request a prepaid InPost QR code from your account. You’ll receive it via email. 

• No need to print it! Simply have it ready on your phone.

• Place your waste in a sturdy cardboard box that is no bigger than 41x38x64 cm and has a maximum weight of 15 kg.

• Find your nearest 24/7 InPost Locker here - there are over 7,000 across the UK - and scan your unique QR code when you drop off your parcel.
   

With UPS - printer required:

• Request a prepaid UPS label from your account.

• Download your label and print it out from your email.

• Place your waste in a sturdy cardboard box that is no bigger than 60x60x50cm and a maximum weight of 20 kg.

• Attach your label securely to your parcel, and ensure it is easy to read. 

• Drop off your parcel at your closest UPS drop-off point or arrange a free pick-up for your parcel via UPS by either booking online or calling 03457 877 877. 
   

Promote: Spread awareness about your location to encourage participation.
Allocate: As you accumulate TerraCycle points, choose which charities to donate to!

There are no direct costs to you for running a public drop-off point. Many collectors spend nothing other than their time. You may choose to purchase specific boxes or bins for your drop-off location, but you can also just use the extra boxes you have at home. 

Public spaces that have good traffic flow and are easily accessible are excellent drop-off points. Stores, community centres, places of worship, and libraries are great options.

You choose which TerraCycle free recycling programmes your drop-off point will participate in. Collectors can drop off only the waste accepted in those TerraCycle programmes.

No - unfortunately, we do not provide collection boxes for this programme.