TerraCycle Program

The Problem

It's nearly impossible to avoid generating ANY waste...even if you refill your soap bottles, reuse as much as you can, and try to avoid packaging. And a lot of that waste can't be recycled through any of the other recycling options in the community. 

The (Partial) Solution

We're addressing the recycling gap by partnering with TerraCycle and other programs that turn hard-to-recycle items into new materials like insulation, plastic park benches, and floor tiles. This video gives you a nice glimpse into the TerraCycle process!

How's It Work?

Recycling items like chip bags and shoes is expensive! TerraCycle accepts some items for free, but most things have to go in a "zero-waste box" that costs anywhere from about $250 to $580. We purchase those boxes, then charge a fee of $0.05 a cubic inch for recycling the items that go inside them. When you bring your recycling into the shop, we'll help you pack all the paid items together tighly and measure it to get the volume in cubic inches (length x width x height). Then we'll multiply that by $0.05 to get the cost of recycling your items. For reference, a standard shoe box costs around $25.

What Can We Recycle?

Pretty much everything! If you don't have curbside service, first look into our basic recycling options. For everything else, there's TerraCycle. 

Paid Items ($0.05 per cubic inch) Free Items
Kitchen Waste
  • Plastic clamshells (note that these are not accepted in Shawnee County Municipal Recycling)
  • Flexible plastic packaging
  • Snack and candy wrappers
  • Styrofoam
  • Food storage containers 
  • Coffee and tea capsules
  • Aluminized coffee packaging
  • Plastic cutlery and party supplies
  • Cleaning supplies and packaging
  • Chip cans
  • Milk cartons (clean)
  • Plastic, metal, or glass cups
  • Blister packs
  • Coffee pots
  • Any non-organic waste generated in the kitchen
  • Kroger brand flexible plastic packaging (includes Simple Truth and Private Selection)
  • Babybel brand cheese packaging
  • Squeezable baby food and snack pouches (any brand)
  • Pet food bags (any brand)
Bathroom Waste
  • Cleaning supplies and packaging
  • Razors, blades, and packaging 
  • Toothbrushes and packaging 
  • Empty toothpaste and floss containers and packaging 
Clothing and Fabric
  • Shoes of any type
  • Clean fabric or clothing (incl. stained, torn, scrap, etc.)
  • Sneakers
Office Supplies 
  • Pencils, pens, and markers
  • Binders
  • Paper and binder clips
  • Stickers, labels, and label backing (no need to separate)
  • Staplers
  • Tape dispensers
  • Desk organizers
  • Correction supplies
  • Any non-electrical item used in your office
  • Used tape (such as packing tape ripped off a box)
  • Thermal/receipt paper

 

  
Home Decor
  • Interior home furnishings
  • Outdoor home furnishings (such as small lawn ornaments)
Garage & Garden
  • Pet products
  • Empty soil, stone, mulch, seed, and sand bags
  • Planters and pots
  • Solar lights
  • Filters
  • Extension cords
  • Hoses, nozzles, and sprinklers
  • Small non-electronic tools
  • Small home improvement materials
  • Small automotive parts
  • Small sporting goods
  • Non-organic, non-hazardous waste generated in your garage and outdoor areas

  Keep in mind that items must fit inside a 15" x 15"' x 37" box

 

What CAN'T We Recycle?

It's a pretty short list. And in some cases, there's somewhere else in Topeka you can take it. 

Material What to Do with It
Wood You may be able to donate to ReStore or Scraps KC, depending on the size and type. Recycle large amounts through GreenPoint (construction & demolition waste recycler).
Rocks, sand, concrete, etc.  Try to find an individual who can use them or recycle large amounts through GreenPoint.
Stuffed textiles You may be able to donate these to an animal shelter/rescue organization. You can also recycle these yourself through TerraCycle; we'll be happy to answer questions about the process!
Broken glass Put this directly in the purple glass recycling bins throughout town (after making sure it's a type of glass that can be recycled).
Lightbulbs Recycle these at Batteries + Bulbs or the Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Some home improvement stores also accept certain types of lightbulbs. 
Hazardous materials (paint, batteries, chemicals, e-cigarettes/vape waste) Dispose of these at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility.
Pressurized canisters Check with the Household Hazardous Waste Facility to see if they can accept it.
Medical waste and expired medication Accepted at some pharmacies, the Topeka Police Department, and the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office.
Dirty diapers or sanitary products If possible, try cloth diapers and reusable or compostable sanitary products...even if you only do it somtimes, it makes a difference! 
Cigarettes You can do this yourself (for free!) through TerraCycle; we'll answer questions on the process!
Chewing gum You can do this yourself through TerraCycle; we'll answer questions on the process!

 

How Can I Be More Prepared When I Come to Recycle?

  • Separating your "free" and "paid" TerraCycle items is the most helpful thing you can do! Of course, we'll be happy to help walk you through it and answer any questions you have.
  • Flexible plastic packaging (like chip bags) pack best when flat, so smoothing bags and wrappers out rather than crumpling them up is very helpful to us.
  • Making sure your items are relatively clean and totally dry makes the sorting process more pleasant!

Thanks for your help—and for taking the time and thought to dispose of waste as responsibly as possible!