How does TerraCycle On-Demand work?
You can build a TerraCycle recycling program on your own with TerraCycle On-Demand.
For a base price of $99 per month, set up and manage a national recycling program that fits your budget and needs. Our easy-to-use program builder will guide you through the process. Choose which recycling solutions to offer, and decide how much of the cost you’d like to subsidize (up to 100%, making the solution free for your consumers). Manage your program and re-order recycling solutions on-demand.
Once you’ve launched your recycling program, spread the news that your customers can visit terracycle.com to order recycling solutions for your products and packaging. We'll handle all fulfillment, support, and—of course—the recycling.
Prefer a full-service, highly-customizable recycling program? Learn about our Enterprise programs.
Is a TerraCycle On-Demand recycling program right for my business?
A TerraCycle On-Demand recycling program may be right for you if:
TerraCycle On-Demand recycling programs are available for a select number of waste streams. See all available waste streams under “Is my waste stream accepted through TerraCycle On-Demand?”
How is TerraCycle On-Demand different from TerraCycle Enterprise?
TerraCycle On-Demand is perfect for an organization looking to launch a low-cost recycling program quickly. The monthly subscription is $99, and recycling solutions are ordered as needed. On-Demand offers a subsidy feature that allows brands to subsidize the cost of recycling solutions 100 percent or share the cost with customers by choosing a lower subsidy level.
TerraCycle Enterprise free recycling programs are fully brand-sponsored, meaning that under contract, the brand partner pays 100 percent of the cost of the program. The program appears on our free recycling programs page. TerraCycle manages the program to a set recycling budget, provides regular reporting and support, and provides customized PR and marketing support to drive awareness of your recycling program. Enterprise-level programs cannot be created through the TerraCycle On-Demand recycling program builder. Contact us to learn more about Enterprise.
For more information about free recycling programs and other partnership opportunities, visit our Partner with us page.
How much does TerraCycle On-Demand cost?
TerraCycle On-Demand recycling programs are designed to be affordable. There are two pricing components. One is a $99 monthly subscription fee that gives you 24/7 access to our automated program builder to manage your program and re-order recycling solutions. The other is the cost of the recycling solutions (envelopes). You can select the types of recycling solutions and the quantities of each you wish to order. With a TerraCycle On-Demand recycling program, you can subsidize the cost of recycling solutions 100 percent (making them free to your customers) or choose a lower subsidy to share the cost.
Is my waste stream accepted through TerraCycle On-Demand?
TerraCycle On-Demand accepts most of the popular waste streams. See the list below. (Don’t see your waste stream? Contact us to learn about Enterprise recycling programs, available for virtually any waste stream.)
What happens to the hard-to-recycle trash that my customers send through TerraCycle On-Demand?
We guarantee that we recycle all the accepted waste sent to us. Once collected, the products and packaging are separated by material type. The materials are then recycled into raw formats that manufacturers use to make new products. We strictly control the movement of materials through each part of the recycling process so we can track and confirm where materials were sent and for what purpose. Bureau Veritas—a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification services— annually audits our collection and recycling supply chains, as do many of our partners.
Can I have more than one TerraCycle On-Demand recycling program?
Yes, you may set up separate TerraCycle On-Demand recycling programs for as many waste streams as you would like. For example, a coffee company may have one TerraCycle On-Demand recycling program for coffee capsules and another for coffee bags. Set up your recycling programs through the same TerraCycle account.
See all available waste streams under “Is my waste stream accepted through TerraCycle On-Demand?”
How do I create a TerraCycle On-Demand recycling program?
Create a TerraCycle On-Demand recycling program today through our self-serve recycling program builder. We’ll guide you through the steps, and your program can be live in as few as five days.
How do I manage my TerraCycle On-Demand recycling program?
It’s easy to manage your recycling program to your needs and budget. Simply log in to your TerraCycle account and navigate to the “On-Demand for business” section of your profile to add inventory, request modifications, review performance, and more.
Which recycling solutions should I offer through my TerraCycle On-Demand recycling program?
We recommend offering a variety of product sizes to your customers.
Choose to offer at least one but up to all of the following recycling solutions:
What subsidy level should I choose for my recycling solutions?
Providing free recycling solutions to your customers is the best way to encourage participation in your recycling program. We recommend that you sponsor 100 percent of the cost of your recycling solutions, or the highest percentage of the cost that fits in your budget.
You can set different subsidy levels for different recycling solutions. For instance, you may choose to cover the cost of Small Zero Waste Envelopes entirely but Medium Zero Waste Envelopes 80 percent, letting your customers choose which option works best for them. You can adjust subsidy levels every time you reorder products. View our Pricing guide.
Can I change my subsidy?
Yes—you can change your recycling solution subsidy levels every time you reorder recycling solutions.
Please note that if you have stock left for a recycling solution when you reorder that solution, your subsidy will remain the same as it was on your last order.
Can I change my customizations?
Yes—you can request modifications at any time by visiting the “Active programs” page in your account profile. Under “My programs”, find the TerraCycle On-Demand recycling program you wish to modify. Click “Modify” and select the customizations you’d like to update.
You can edit the following customizations:
Modifications will be reviewed by our team. They may take up to five business days to go into effect.
How do I reorder recycling solutions?
Visit the “Active programs” page in your account profile to reorder recycling solutions at any time. Under “My programs”, find the TerraCycle On-Demand recycling program for which you wish to add inventory. Click “Order recycling solutions” and select the solutions as well as quantity and subsidy that fit your needs.
What happens if I run out of recycling solutions?
We’ll send you email reminders to reorder recycling solutions when you’re running low on inventory. If you happen to run out of inventory completely, your recycling program will continue running. However, the recycling solutions you’ve selected will only be available to your customers at full price (no subsidy). Order more subsidized solutions as soon as possible to share the cost with customers.
Can I cancel anytime?
TerraCycle On-Demand recycling programs involve no long-term contracts, so you can cancel anytime.
To cancel, go to the “Payment” page in your account profile. Once you cancel your program, it will immediately be closed.
Please be sure only to cancel once your inventory has been depleted. Unused inventory will not be refunded.
What is the return policy for TerraCycle On-Demand?
We do not offer refunds on recycling solutions. If you have questions or need support, please contact our Customer Support team.
What are other ways I can partner with TerraCycle?
There are many ways to partner with TerraCycle in Eliminating the Idea of Waste®!
Please contact us for more information on partnership opportunities.
Have further questions about TerraCycle On-Demand? Reach out to our Customer Care team.