The Crisp Packet Recycling Scheme - FAQ

This recycling scheme is open to everyone: individuals, schools, community groups, charities and companies. There are two ways you can get involved with the Crisp Packet Recycling Scheme.

1. Search on the interactive map to see if you have a public drop-off location nearby. If there is, then simply drop-off your crisp packets during the designated opening hours (we recommend calling ahead to check, as they’re manned by volunteers).

2. If you don’t have a public drop-off location nearby, why not set one up? We’re keen to establish more public drop-off locations for this scheme, so we can reach as many people as possible. Simply register the site by joining the programme (click on "join programme for free" above) and filling in this application form.

Once you have registered, you should receive a confirmation email within 72 hours from [email protected] (please check your junk mail folder). If it hasn’t arrived, please email  [email protected] with the subject line: "no confirmation email".
Please do not register again and create a second TerraCycle® account.

Due to logistical reasons, at this time we cannot operate the free recycling programmes in the Isle of Man or Channel Islands. The TerraCycle® Operations Team are looking into different logistical solutions to start the free recycling programmes in these locations and we are hoping to have a solution soon. We apologise for any inconvenience.

No - we do not provide collection boxes for this programme.

Any brand of crisp packets are accepted in this scheme.

Please note that the following types of waste are not accepted in this scheme:

• Popcorn bags
• Crisp tubes
• Pretzel bags
• Meat snack bags

For more information, please consult our Accepted Waste Poster.

Once you have joined The Crisp Packet Recycling Scheme, you can print a shipping label by logging into your TerraCycle® account and by clicking on "my account". Then simply click on the "send us your waste" button and then on "create free postage label". You will receive your label by email, you must then print it and stick it on your parcel. You can download as many labels as you have parcels to send.

You can use any cardboard boxes for sending your waste, however these boxes must be clean and sturdy. Once you have your box, put your waste directly in it (and possibly in a plastic bag beforehand), close it well and stick the prepaid shipping label on the box (the shipment is of course completely free).

Once you have downloaded and printed your shipping label, please send us your waste by ordering a free pick-up via UPS by calling 03457 877 877 (UPS will collect at your location). You can also drop-off your parcel at your closest UPS drop-off point, which you can find here. 

If you have not received your points within two months after your shipment was sent, please contact us so that we can investigate it for you.

Once received by TerraCycle®, your crisp packets are sorted and separated by material composition. The separated items are then cleaned, shredded, and made into new recycled products. Click here to learn more about the recycling process.

You must send at least one shipment a year. If you do not send a shipment within a year, you will be removed from the scheme to allow other people to participate. Consequently, you will have to apply to join the scheme again. If you are removed from the scheme, you will receive an email notifying you and you will have one week to join this scheme again by clicking on "join programme for free" on the scheme page.

For each shipment over 2 kg for The Crisp Packet Recycling Scheme, you will receive TerraCycle® points. You will receive 200 points per kilo. 200 TerraCycle® points represents £2.

To redeem your points as financial donations, a minimum of 1,000 points or £10 is required.

All points redeemed between the 1st of May and the 31st of October will be donated in December. Points redeemed between the 1st of November and the 30th of April will be donated in June.

To redeem your points for the charity or school of your choice, simply log in to your TerraCycle® account and go to the "my charities" tab. Once on this page, TerraCycle® offers 3 ways to choose a charity:

1. Redeem your points to a TerraCycle® partner charity by clicking on "redeem" and by choosing one of the charities from the drop-down menu.
2. Add the charity or school of your choice by clicking on "add charity". Please check if this charity is not already registered on our website first by looking for the charity in the search bar at the top of the page. If you cannot find it, please fill in the fields for creating a new charity. Once completed, validate the form and do not forget to send us the bank details through this form to [email protected].
3. Choose a charitable gift by clicking on "redeem". You will find the list of charitable gifts in the field of the environment, the fight against hunger, education, childhood or prematurity at the bottom of the page. Then simply select the gift and click on "redeem".

If you have chosen to donate to a charity (either by selecting an existing charity or by adding a new one), you must choose the number of points you wish to redeem (as a reminder, you must convert a minimum of 1,000 points).

Check the contents of your cart and click on "checkout" to close the transaction.

If you wish to stop collecting this waste, log in to your account, select the "my recycling programmes" tab and click on the small grey cross to the right of the name of The Crisp Packet Recycling Scheme.