Tackling materials that are conventionally difficult to recycle, TerraCycle takes on the challenge of offering solutions to the unrecyclable. The organization advocates for finding resolutions to overconsumption and throwaway culture which have contributed to the current global waste crisis.
They emphasize that “while even complex trash is technically recyclable, most materials are not profitable to recycle.” So, this leads to waste piling up in landfills which deeply contributes to pollution of our planet. Their official mission is to eliminate the “Idea of Waste.” They emphasize the importance of businesses, government entities, communities to keep trash out of landfills and incinerators.
TerraCycle recycles 400+ waste streams traditional recyclers won’t, and has done so profiting successfully over the past 10 years. They had $22M gross profit in 2025, with +93% revenue growth (2020-2025).
The company is circled around their core recycling certifications. Their free recycling programs allow for brand-funded initiatives that allow individuals to collect hard-to-recycle items and ship them back using free downloadable shipping labels. The company also produces Zero Waste boxes which are paid, all-inclusive recycling containers that let homes or businesses recycle specific waste streams (such as coffee capsules, office supplies, or PPE) by mailing the filled box back to TerraCycle.
Through collaboration and innovation, the organization has developed first-of-their-kind solutions in recycling to reuse.