The TerraCycle map shows all the public drop-off points for our recycling programs across Australia and New Zealand. You can use it to find the most convenient place to responsibly recycle everything from coffee capsules to empty beauty products, toothpaste tubes, pet food packaging and a whole lot more. By working with your local community to recycle more, you can make your recycling journey even more efficient and environmentally friendly, as shipping costs and emissions are minimised.
How do I use the TerraCycle map?
Anyone in the community can access the TerraCycle map. You’ll find it on our dedicated public drop-off point pages in Australia and New Zealand, as well as on the individual web pages for programs that offer public drop-offs (you can search for these programs by filtering the categories here.)
To find the public drop-off point closest to you, simply type in your city or region and the type of waste you are keen to recycle, and the map will highlight locations in your area. You’ll often find public drop-off points at small businesses, council offices, community centres, schools or shops.
If the relevant drop-off points aren’t convenient for you and you do not wish to set up your own, simply visit the program page to sign up as a private collector – allowing you to mail your rubbish directly to TerraCycle for recycling for free. From time to time, some of our programs reach capacity so you can join a waitlist to participate. You will be informed if a space becomes available.
What can I search for on the TerraCycle Map?
The map helps you search for three major things:
- Your nearest public drop-off point
The map shows the addresses of public drop-off points in the area you select. You can make the search area as broad or narrow as you like, guided by routes you travel and the items you would like to drop off items for collection and recycling.
- How to search for a specific waste stream
Each public drop-off point determines which recycling programs they participate in, and won’t necessarily collect every kind of rubbish that you’d like to recycle. You need to filter the location and the waste stream (listed on the map drop-down under ‘I’d like to recycle…’) to find a drop-off point that fits your criteria.
- Public drop-off point opening hours
Once you’ve searched the nearest drop-off point for a specific program, it’s imperative you check the opening hours. A lot of our drop-off points are organisations like schools or shops that will have set business hours and may not be open seven days a week.
I’d like to become a drop-off point for my community. How do I become listed on the map?
Great question! The administrators of public drop-off points register to use our free national recycling programs to collect for themselves and the wider public. You can follow the steps here to become a public drop-off point for your community. Plus, when you recycle with TerraCycle you can earn charity points that are redeemable as donations to the charity or school of your choice.
Why can’t I find Zero Waste Boxes on the map?
Zero Waste Boxes are a prepaid solution for recycling even more hard-to-recycle rubbish that isn’t commonly accepted in kerbside recycling schemes. Organisations or households purchase the Zero Waste Boxes that fit their needs and do not appear on the TerraCycle map. The boxes are generally purchased by individuals or organisations such as schools, councils, or even your local optometrist.
Zero Waste Box purchasers can decide whether it’s for private use, or if they want to allow other members of the community to add to their collection, so keep a look out for a Zero Waste Box near you. The box owner is responsible for sending their full box to TerraCycle for processing, and orders a new Zero Waste Box to continue recycling using this method.
Explore the extensive range of Zero Waste Boxes to help you tackle different waste streams in Australia and New Zealand.
Why are private collectors not on the map?
Private collectors don’t feature on the map because they are only collecting for themselves. These collectors are recycling for their households (and perhaps their family and friends).
It’s easy to move between being a private collector or a public drop-off point collecting on behalf of the wider community – simply sign up as a public drop-off point. But remember, your location will then be added to the TerraCycle map. List your opening hours and make sure you’re able to provide access to your collection area within the times you specify.
What steps should I take next?
Are you staring at the TerraCycle map still not sure where to start? Read these scenarios for how different types of TerraCyclers navigate the map to find the best solution for your household, business, school or community group.
Scenario 1: I want to take rubbish to a public drop-off point
Step 1: Visit the TerraCycle website (select your country’s flag in the top right corner to ensure you’re in the correct region).
Step 2: Hover over the tab ‘Recycle’ in the top left corner of the website.
Step 3: This will lead you to a drop-down menu, where you can select ‘Find a public drop-off point’ that’ll take you to our map.
Step 4: Type in your city or region and select the waste stream you’re looking to recycle in the search function to find the closest drop-off point accepting this rubbish near you.
Scenario 2: I want to become a public drop-off point
Step 1: Visit the TerraCycle website (with the relevant country map in the top right corner) and either log in to your existing TerraCycle account or sign up.
Step 2: Check that the programs you want to collect rubbish for feature a link at the top of the page that says ‘Become a public drop-off point’. These can include programs for recycling writing instruments, cleaning equipment, worn-out toys or beauty and haircare products.
Step 3: Make sure you have the relevant permissions from school administrators to set up a TerraCycle public drop-off point on school grounds. It’s important to confirm opening hours when people can visit to drop off rubbish.
Step 4: Once you’ve registered and signed up to your chosen programs, create a station to collect and store different waste streams and let your students, staff and wider community know you’re collecting items to recycle through TerraCycle. You can find accepted waste posters to print off and stick to your bin on each program page.
Step 5: When you’re ready to send off your waste for recycling, simply download the free shipping label and put your waste in a cardboard box (preferably one that’s been reused) to drop into your nearest Australia Post or New Zealand Post.
Scenario 3: Our household wants to become a private collector
Step 1: Visit the TerraCycle website, ensuring you’ve filtered the flag in the top right corner to your country.
Step 2: Register as a private collector and visit the program page you want to collect for.
Step 3: Collect your chosen rubbish and send it to TerraCycle for recycling. Make sure you download a free shipping label from the program page to affix to the box so the cost of mailing the package is also covered by the program.
We hope this clears up any queries you have about the TerraCycle map and how it’s used in relation to the different methods for recycling through TerraCycle. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team.
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