Eco Tip: Update on TerraCycle Recycling Program

by 
Marsha Low, Weavers Way Environment Committee

We hope you’re now in the habit of bringing empty containers from dental and personal-care products to Weavers Way Next Door in Chestnut Hill or Across the Way in Mt. Airy. Some of these containers are hard to recycle; others (such as shampoo bottles) could be recycled curbside, but here’s one reason to bring them to the Co-op instead: Proceeds go to Food Moxie (formerly Weavers Way Community Programs)! 

TerraCycle, the company to which all items are shipped, converts them into new products, such as park benches and backpacks. Here’s a detailed list of what’s acceptable. Note: All containers must be plastic and empty. (You can also bring the plastic lids that come with the containers.)

  • Personal-care products: Bottles or containers for products used on hair or skin, including face wash, shampoo, conditioner, face cream, suntan lotion, diaper-rash cream, medical creams, lip balm, lipstick, mascara and foundation. (Not accepted: Razors.)
  • Dental-care products: Toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, dental floss containers. (Not accepted: Electric toothbrushes or stands; squeeze tubes from other products like ointments.)
  • Baby food pouches.
  • Brita filters (white plastic only); make sure they are dry.

New products may be added in the future, so we’ll be updating this list from time to time as needed. Stay tuned, and keep those plastic containers coming!