Take-Back Recycling Programs
Introduction
Take-back programs are programs where companies accept their own products or packaging back for recycling, upcycling, or downcycling.
Some programs are very specific in ONLY taking back their own wares, while others will accept items from other companies too: for examples clothing or shoes.
Some of these programs include drop-off locations which you can find on their maps or by going into their physical locations. Others require you to send the items by mail. Sometimes companies include both options.
Icon Key
To help make searching a little easier and faster this page includes icons. This key is intended to show which icons mean what.
🗺️ = check map for drop off locations
✉️ = use program address to mail in recyclables
Europe
UK
Synthetic (Plastic) Hair Braids
Rebundle's Plastic Braid Recycling Service ✉️ appears to serve the USA, Canada, and the UK. They sell banana fiber hair extensions, but do not recycle banana or human hair wigs/extensions. This service is only for plastic hair pieces.
North America
Canada
Synthetic (Plastic) Hair Braids
Rebundle's Plastic Braid Recycling Service ✉️ appears to serve the USA, Canada, and the UK. They sell banana fiber hair extensions, but do not recycle banana or human hair wigs/extensions. This service is only for plastic hair pieces.
USA
Take-Back Recycling (Spreadsheet) created by user u/c0rnsalsa on Reddit
Terracycle: Free Recycling Programs 🗺️ "These programs are free recycling solutions for typically hard-to-recycle waste streams. Join as many programs as you like to help reduce your impact on our planet."
Ridwell is a curbside recycling program for hard to recycle items, but is only in a limited number of cities so far "Don’t worry about your waste. Sustainably reuse and recycle your stuff with Ridwell. See if we’re in your neighborhood."
Hygiene & Beauty Product Packaging
Bausch + Lomb (Terracycle) Accepts ANY BRAND: contact lenses and their packaging (blister packs) 🗺️
L'Occitane (Terracycle) Accepts ANY BRAND: hair and skin care packaging (bottles, tubes, dispensers, pumps, caps, spray triggers); packaging from lip balm, deodorant, perfume 🗺️
Lush Accepts LUSH ONLY: black and clear packaging pots. Drop off at any Lush store. 🗺️
Nordstrom (Terracycle) Accepts ANY BRAND: hair and skin care packaging (bottles, tubes, dispensers, pumps, caps, spray triggers); makeup product packaging (palettes, compacts, twist-up containers, mascara wands and tubes)🗺️
Non-Accepted Items: aerosol cans; perfume and nail polish bottles; wooden makeup pencilsOral-B Accepts ANY BRAND: toothbrushes, toothbrush heads, toothpaste tubes, floss containers, floss picks, mouthwash containers ✉️
Sephora + Pact Accepts ANY BRAND Plastic, glass, and mixed material containers 🗺️
Synthetic (Plastic) Hair Braids
Rebundle's Plastic Braid Recycling Service ✉️ appears to serve the USA, Canada, and the UK. They sell banana fiber hair extensions, but do not recycle banana or human hair wigs/extensions. This service is only for plastic hair pieces.
Clothing
FABSCRAP 🗺️ This organization has drop off locations in Brooklyn and Philadelphia. You can also shop with them for fabric by the yard, ribbons, buttons, bulldog clips, paper clips, binder rings, mendable clothing packs, etc.
FOR DAYS: Take Back Bag ✉️ Each bag is $20 "Buy 3 Take Back Bags and get free shipping!
Your Take Back Bag will arrive 5-14 business days after your order is placed. Please note you will not receive any tracking information for your TBB but know that it is on the way.
You'll earn $30 in Closet Cash for every Take Back Bag registered. ENDING SOON! These funds never expire and you can use up to $20 in Closet Cash on your next order of clothing and accessories on fordays.com or turn your Closet Cash into Trashie Cash and buy Gift Cards and rewards to brands like Uber Eats, Sephora and more. See FAQs for additional details. Final sale."Nike 🗺️ Accepts NIKE ONLY: athletic tops and bottoms, athletic footwear
Non-Accepted Items: sandals; boots; shoes with metal cleats; socks and underwearNike 🗺️ Accepts ANY BRAND: athletic footwear
Drop off at a Nike store - most are participating, call your local store to confirm
Non-Accepted Items: sandals; boots; shoes with metal cleats or spikes
Patagonia 🗺️ + ✉️ Accepts PATAGONIA ONLY, CLEAN: any products
Rip Curl (Terracycle) 🗺️ + ✉️ Accepts ANY BRAND: surf wetsuits
Non-Accepted Items: booties, gloves, helmets, diving suitsSubset ✉️ Accepts ANY BRAND, ANY CONDITION, CLEAN: bras, underwear, socks, tights
Thousand Fell ✉️ "Keep your textiles out of landfill and earn credit for everything you recycle. Combine your credits with any seasonal offers for up to $65 off your next pair of TFs." "Send us your used (but clean) items in any condition for free. We’ll recycle them. You’ll earn store credit - it's that simple."
Zkano: Zkano Recycles ✉️ in Alabama will accept your socks for recycling.
Electronics & Household Items
Apple 🗺️ + ✉️ Accepts APPLE ONLY: devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.), batteries, cables, cases, monitors, packaging
Staples 🗺️ Accepts ANY BRAND: electronic devices, batteries, writing implements, phone cases, ink and toner cartridges. See link for full list
Best Buy 🗺️ + ✉️ Accepts ANY BRAND: electronic devices, small appliances, ink and toner cartridges. See link for full list
National Crayon Recycle Program ✉️crayons
Food Packaging
Honest Kids (Terracycle) Accepts ANY BRAND: plastic and aluminum drink pouches (straws ok) 🗺️
Nespresso has a free recycling program for their own coffee pods. They send you a bag with a shipping label and you drop it off at any UPS free of charge.
Pet Supplies Plus / Wag N' Wash (Terracycle) Accepts ANY BRAND: pet food and treat bags 🗺️
