Zero Waste Box™
Frequently asked questions
What is a Zero Waste Box™?
A Zero Waste Box is a complete and convenient solution which includes the storage, shipping and recycling of a particular type of waste that isn’t currently recycled through local councils or traditional recycling facilities.
We can recycle almost anything, from coffee capsules, snack wrappers, VHS tapes to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Zero Waste Box is an all-inclusive solution developed by award-winning waste experts at TerraCycle®. The recycling boxes are easy to set up and use, making it the perfect option for households, schools, businesses, manufacturing and events facilities looking to increase their sustainable practices.
How it works
Order: Select the Zero Waste Box based on what you would like to recycle.
Fill: Fill your box with the accepted waste.
Ship: Using the pre-paid UPS shipping label affixed to the back of your box, arrange for your waste to be collected for recycling. All shipments are carbon-neutral, meaning the carbon emissions released during transport will be offset. Click here to organise your free collection.
Reorder: Continue to recycle everything and reorder a new Zero Waste Box.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Browse FAQ by section:
General | Orders | Referral Programme | TerraCycle®
General
How do I return my Zero Waste Box™ when it’s full?
When your Zero Waste Box™ is full, simply tape the top opening shut. Your box will arrive with a prepaid return shipping label already attached to the back. All you have to do is schedule the collection on the UPS website.
⚠️ Please note that the maximum weight for a full Zero Waste Box cannot exceed 25kg.
The tracking number starts with the number 1, followed by the letter Z: "1Z". Add the tracking number without any spaces.
Click here for more details on how to schedule the collection on the UPS website.
Where do you deliver?
This online ordering service is only available in the UK.
We don’t operate in British Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies (Guernsey Island, Jersey Island, the Isle of Man), the Channel Islands, the Hebrides/Shetland/Orkney Islands and the Isles of Scilly.
How can I talk about using Zero Waste Box as a take-back scheme for my business?
If you are a business choosing to offer a recycling solution to your customers using Zero Waste Box™, we are looking forward to working with you. Please request access to our e-commerce communication guidelines for information on how you can promote your recycling efforts.
Are Zero Waste Box™ shipments carbon neutral?
Yes. On top of collecting and recycling waste that would otherwise be destined for landfill or incineration, we have made a commitment that Zero Waste Box™ shipments through UPS are carbon neutral. This means that whenever a Zero Waste Box™ is sent, the carbon emissions released during its transport will be offset. By offsetting the emissions, we neutralize the negative impact it has on the environment.
With UPS help, we are investing in projects that reduce carbon emissions around the world. For example, we are supporting reforestation initiatives whereby trees are planted to absorb carbon dioxide emissions. This way, the carbon emissions are balanced out.
Can I order Zero Waste Boxes via a sales quote and pay by bank transfer?
You can create an account with us and pay by bank transfer if your purchase exceeds £1000. Please email your order details to customersupport@terracycle.co.uk. We will require your billing and delivery information as well as your purchase order number (if applicable). If your purchase is below £1000, you must place the order on our website and pay with a debit or credit card.
I am a business. How do receive my annual waste transfer note?
An annual waste transfer note is required for waste originating from a commercial activity. You do not need to complete a waste transfer note if you order a box for your home.
A waste transfer note is a legal document that details and records the transfer of waste from one person to another.
To receive your TerraCycle® waste annual transfer note for Zero Waste Boxes, please add in your company name and company SIC code* when placing an order or creating an account. We strongly recommend that you create an account if you wish to view your recycling history and resend the waste transfer note to yourself, should you lose your copy.
*SIC codes provide a description of your company's nature of business. If you’re unsure, please find it on the Companies House website. Alternatively, please complete this form following instructions from our step by step guide.
Are your boxes and liners made from recycled materials?
Yes. Our Zero Waste Boxes are cardboard that's made from 100% FSC approved recycled content. And the liners are made from 100% recycled content too.
Can I see how much I’ve recycled?
Yes! If you have a TerraCycle account and are logged in when placing your order, your return history is accessible in your Profile on the Zero Waste Box shop. You can see how many kilos you have recycled so far, broken down by box returned, and your total amount recycled (in kg).
Orders
I need to cancel or return my order. How can I do this?
You can cancel your order before it ships directly from your account profile. Once your order has been marked as shipped, our standard return policy applies.You can view our returns and refunds policy in our Terms and Conditions (section 5).
I need to edit my order. How can I do this?
Unfortunately, we are unable to make edits to the contents of an order, including changing the payment method used. If you ordered an incorrect item or need to change your payment method, please reach out to customersupport@terracycle.co.uk or call 0146 5915 018.
When will my order arrive?
Your order should arrive within 3 to 5 working days. Deliveries are carried out by FedEx Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. After your order has been dispatched from our warehouse, you’ll receive an email with your tracking information.
Track your box here
Important: Our online ordering service is only available in mainland Britain.
We don’t operate in Northern Ireland, British Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies (Guernsey Island, Jersey Island, the Isle of Man), the Channel Islands, the Hebrides/Shetland/Orkney Islands and the Isles of Scilly.
How do I correct a delivery address after I have placed an order?
Delivery addresses may be edited before your order has shipped by reaching out to customersupport@terracycle.co.uk. However, once an order has shipped, the address can no longer be changed. Please note that some orders ship in under 24 hours, so we cannot guarantee that your shipping address can be changed after the order has been placed.
What is the Zero Waste Box Referral Programme?
The Referral Programme is our way of saying thanks! When you recommend Zero Waste Boxes to your friends and family, they’ll receive 15% off their first purchase when using your referral link. What’s even better? You’ll get £10 in store credit to spend on anything in the shop for helping us grow our community.
Who can participate in the referral programme?
You're in! Once you've placed your first order through your registered TerraCycle account, you're officially eligible to start referring.
Why should I refer someone?
When you refer a new customer to TerraCycle and they make their first purchase using your referral link, you’ll get £10 in store credit to spend on anything in the shop.
How do I join the referral programme?
Good news! If you have a registered TerraCycle account and have already ordered a Zero Waste Box, you can automatically begin referring friends and family. If you haven’t placed an order yet, here’s how to get started:
- Shop: Make your first purchase using your TerraCycle account.
- Qualify: You’re automatically eligible to refer friends after you receive your first order.
- Share and Refer: Start referring friends and reaping the benefits!
Is there a limit to how many people I can refer?
Refer one, refer a hundred. There’s no cap on your referrals or your rewards.
Can businesses or organizations participate in the referral programme?
Absolutely! Businesses, organizations, and households are eligible to participate.
Where can I find my referral link/code?
If you've already made a purchase and are logged into your account, you can find your unique referral link here or by navigating to your account profile.
How do I refer someone?
Sharing is a breeze! Head over to your TerraCycle profile to blast your link across your social media accounts using our ‘Share’ buttons. Prefer a personal touch? Just copy your unique link and send it directly via text or email.
What happens after I refer someone?
After you refer someone, they’ll click on your referral link and purchase their first Zero Waste Box. Once their order ships, £10 in store credit will automatically be applied to your account to spend on anything in the shop.
What do I get for referring someone?
Turning your referrals into rewards is effortless. Once your friend uses your link to purchase their first Zero Waste Box, you're set! We’ll automatically add £10 to your account the moment their order ships—no codes or paperwork required.
What does the person I refer get?
Give your friends a head start on their sustainability journey! When they use your link, they’ll get 15% off their very first order.
When will I receive my reward?
Your credit will automatically land in your account the moment your friend’s first Zero Waste Box order has shipped.
How can I check my store credit balance?
Want to see how much you’ve earned? You can track your store credits anytime! Just log in to your account and head over to your profile to view your current balance.
What qualifies as a successful referral?
A referral is successful when your friend:
- Is brand new to TerraCycle (never placed an order).
- Clicks your referral link
- Completes their first purchase—it’s that easy!
Are there any restrictions on the store credit?
- Where to spend: Redeem your credits toward any future purchase at shop.terracycle.com/en-GB.
- Value: Credits are for in-store use only and hold no cash value.
- Expiration: Your store credits are valid for one year from the date they are earned—plenty of time to find your next Zero Waste solution!
Can I post my referral link on public forums or social media?
You’re welcome to post your link on your favorite social platforms! Just a reminder to keep your sharing genuine and compliant with local communication laws. Any bulk emailing or spam-like activity is strictly prohibited and will lead to an immediate account closure and forfeiture of store credits.
What happens if someone violates the terms of the referral programme?
Our program is for genuine referrals only. Please note that self-referrals or the use of fictitious accounts and automated tools are strictly prohibited. Any attempt to manipulate the programme will lead to an immediate ban and possible suspension of your TerraCycle account.
Who can I contact for help with the referral programme?
Questions? We’re here to help. For support, contact our team at customercare@terracycle.co.uk or call 01465 915018.
Where can I read the full terms and conditions?
Want more details? We’ve got you covered. Read the complete Referral Programme Terms and Conditions to learn more.
TerraCycle®
How do the National Recycling Programs work, and how do they differ from the Zero Waste Box™ system?
At TerraCycle, we offer two main recycling solutions for people and companies based in the UK: Free National Recycling Programmes and Zero Waste Boxes™.
The Zero Waste Box is a different product and recycling service, separate to the free Recycling Programmes. Zero Waste Boxes provide solutions for waste that cannot be recycled through your local council or traditional recycling companies.
TerraCycle free Recycling Programmes are funded by brands, manufacturers and retailers to help you collect and recycle your hard-to-recycle waste. Simply choose the programmes you’d like to join on TerraCycle website; start collecting in your home, school, or office then take the waste to drop-off locations near you.
Important: You do not need to purchase a Zero Waste Box™ if you are signed up to a free Recycling Programme. For more information about the programmes, please contact our customer service team on 0146 5915 018 or email customersupport@terracycle.co.uk.
Why does a Zero Waste Box™ cost money when many of the National Recycling Programs do not?
The cost of recycling can be broken down into three main parts: transportation, processing, and recycling. Your local government manages typical kerbside collections. With the Zero Waste Box™ system, the collection is built into the price. With National Recycling Programs, the sponsoring brands and retailers pay for these expenses.
With Zero Waste Box™, you have the power to take matters into your own hands and recycle everything.
Zero Waste Boxes™ are not in our budget. Is there something we can do?
The price of a Zero Waste Box is based on the current shipping and recycling costs for each material type. We understand this service may not be a fit for all customers at this time. We recommend checking out TerraCycle’s National Recycling Programs, which offer free recycling solutions.