Zero Waste Box™
Frequently asked questions
What is a Zero Waste Box™?
A Zero Waste Box is a complete and convenient solution which includes the storage, shipping and recycling of a particular type of waste that isn’t currently recycled through local councils or traditional recycling facilities.
We can recycle almost anything, from coffee capsules to bottle caps, to blister packs and the entire contents of your office stationary cupboard. Zero Waste Box is an all-inclusive solution developed by award-winning waste experts at TerraCycle®. The recycling boxes are easy to set up and use, making it the perfect option for households, schools, businesses, manufacturing and events facilities looking to minimise their waste.
How it works
Order: Select the Zero Waste Box based on what you would like to recycle.
Fill: Fill your box with the accepted waste.
Ship: Tape up the Zero Waste Box so nothing can fall out. Your box will arrive with a prepaid return shipping label already attached to the back of the box. All you need to do is drop the sealed box off at your local post office or book a courier pickup.
Reorder: Order your next Zero Waste Box to continue to recycle!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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General | Orders | Shipping | TerraCycle®
General
What sizes do Zero Waste Boxes come in?
There are two sizes of Zero Waste Boxes to choose from:
- Small 25 x 25 x 46 cm (28 litres)
- Medium 28 x 28 x 101 cm (79 litres)
How do I assemble and set up my Zero Waste Box?
Once received, start by unfolding the flat box and follow the folding instructions on the bottom. Next, fold and close the top lid and secure it with the cardboard flap. Press down on the perforated cut-out on the top lid. Remember to place your box in an easily accessible spot. That’s it!
Check out our Zero Waste Box setup for step-by-step instructions here!
What is the order processing time?
All orders are processed within 1 to 2 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) after receiving your order confirmation email.
When will my order arrive?
Your order should arrive within 7 to 10 business days and deliveries are carried out by New Zealand Post. After your order has been dispatched from our warehouse, you’ll receive an email with your tracking information.
How do I return my Zero Waste Box when it's full?
When your Zero Waste Box is full, simply tape the top opening shut. Your box will arrive with a pre-paid return shipping label already attached to the back of the box! All you need to do is drop the sealed box off at your local post office or book a pickup with Courier Post. Please note the maximum box weight is 25kg, to meet New Zealand Post shipping requirements.
To arrange a pick up, visit Courier Post and fill ou tthe form using the tracking number on the pre-paid shipping label on the back of your box. For assistance please call Courier Post on 0800 268 743 or visit their website.
Can I get my Zero Waste Box picked up?
Yes, in New Zealand you can book in a pickup with Courier Post. To arrange a pick up visit Courier Post and fill out the form using the tracking number on the pre-paid shipping label on the back of your box. For assistance please call Courier Post on 0800 268 743 or visit their website. Please ensure prior to shipping your box is not over full and bursting at the joints or overweight (25kg max.) otherwise additional cost will apply.
Orders
I need to cancel or return my order. How can I do this?
You can view our return policy here.
I need to edit my order. How can I do this?
Unfortunately, we are unable to make edits to the contents of an order, including changing the payment method used. If you ordered an incorrect item or need to change your payment method, please reach out to customersupport@terracycle.co.nz to have your order canceled.
How do I correct a delivery address after I have placed an order?
Delivery addresses may be edited before your order has shipped by reaching out to our Customer Support team. However, once an order has shipped, the address can no longer be changed. Please note that some orders ship in under 24 hours, so we cannot guarantee that your shipping address can be changed after the order has been placed.
How do I check the status of my order?
When your order has shipped, you will receive an email notification from us which will include a tracking number you can use to check its status. Please allow 48 hours for the tracking information to become available.
If you haven’t received your order within 21 days of receiving your shipping confirmation email, please contact us at customersupport@terracycle.co.nz with your name and order number, and we will look into it for you.
Oops I damaged my Zero Waste Box, can I get a new box?
As the Zero waste Box is cardboard please store it appropriately. If you damage the box and it is no longer able to be sent you will need to contact customersupport@terracycle.co.nz and provide images of the damaged box, note fees apply.
Shipping
Do I have to pay for shipping?
No, all orders within New Zealand include free shipping and have a prepaid return shipping label attached to the back of the box. Once the Zero Waste Box is full or weighs 25kg all you need to do is tape the inner bag shut (if there is one inside) and seal the top of the box shut so nothing falls out. Next, return it to your nearest post office or book in a pickup with Courier Post.
To arrange a pick up visit Courier Post and fill out the form using the tracking number on the prepaid shipping label on the back of your box. For assistance please call Courier Post on 0800 268 743 or visit their website. Please ensure prior to shipping your box is not over full and bursting at the joints or overweight (25kg max.) otherwise additional cost will apply.
Are there any shipping restrictions?
Yes, for the Zero Waste Box system to work effectively and safely, please follow these simple shipping guidelines on how and what you can ship back to TerraCycle:
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Only send in items this system accepts. Sending in items that fall outside the selected category causes contamination and the need for added separation, which increases costs.
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Do not send in household items that may be considered hazardous waste. These include items such as batteries, lithium-ion batteries, pressurized canisters (including aerosols), pesticides, oil-based paint or medical sharps, organics, broken glass, biomedical waste, soiled diapers, or expired medication.Do not send in anything sharp, flammable, reactive, corrosive, ignitable, radioactive, toxic, infectious, or pathogenic.
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Do not ship dripping packages. Please make sure all excess product has been removed before putting it in your Zero Waste Box. If you choose to rinse your items, please note that the system must be completely dry prior to shipping.
IMPORTANT: Please note maximum box weight is 25kg, to meet New Zealand Post shipping requirements
Do you ship internationally?
Please click here to see which countries TerraCycle is available in. We do not ship outside of New Zealand from the New Zealand website.
Do you deliver to PO Boxes?
No, you will need to provide a physical address for delivery.
TerraCycle®
I am a business who wants to promote a take back recycling sheme using Zero Waste Boxes™, what am I allowed to communicate?
If you are a business choosing to offer a recycling solution to your customers using Zero Waste Box™, we are looking forward to working with you and have put together a guide to help you promote your recycling efforts.
Click here to access our guide.
How do the National Recycling Programs work, and how do they differ from the Zero Waste Box system?
Our National Recycling Programs are funded by brands and retailers around the world to help you recycle items that municipal programs don’t typically accept. To participate in one of these programs, simply sign up for free at TerraCycle.com and start collecting. To learn more about our National Recycling Programs and how they work, please visit this page.
Unlike our National Recycling Programs, the Zero Waste Box system allows you to recycle everything with a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for nearly everything that is not accepted through public programs. The transportation and recycling costs are built into the price. To learn more about Zero Waste Box and how it works, please visit this page.
Why does a Zero Waste Box cost money when many of the National Recycling Programs do not?
The cost of recycling can be broken down into two main parts: transportation and the recycling process itself. In public recycling, your taxes pay for curbside pickup, transportation to the plant, sorting, and recycling. With National Recycling Programs, the sponsoring brands and retailers pay for these expenses.
With Zero Waste Box, you have the power to take matters into your own hands and recycle everything. The price of a Zero Waste Box includes the cost of transportation and recycling. To learn more, please visit this page.
Zero Waste Boxes are not in our budget. Is there something we can do?
The price of a Zero Waste Box is based on the current shipping and recycling costs for each material type. We understand this service may not be a fit for all customers at this time. We recommend checking out TerraCycle’s National Recycling Programmes, which offer free recycling solutions.
I want to recycle everything and do more to reduce my impact. What else can I do?
That’s the spirit! Follow us on social media for daily tips and tricks, and refer to the links below for more information on ways you can eliminate the idea of waste.