TerraCyle: the Hungarian cigfag-collecting goes on

TerraCycle is a private U.S. small business headquartered in Trenton, New Jersey. It makes consumer products from pre- and post-consumer waste (“upcycling”) and reusing other waste materials

TerraCycle began with the production of fertilizer made from worm waste products, and packaged in reused containers. Still produced today, the fertilizer is made by feeding organic waste to worms. The worms' excrement is liquefied and brewed into bottles, many of which are collected through “Bottle Brigade” fund raising programs at schools and charities around North America.

The company diversified its production into upcycling around 2007 and began producing pencil cases and backpacks made from Capri Sun and Honest Kids drink pouches. TerraCycle also repurposes pre- and post-waste packaging from companies such as Mars Incorporated and Wrigley's into products such as messenger bags, binders, notebooks, and tote bags.

Packaging waste that can not be upcycled is recycled into plastic products including flower pots, plastic lumber, plastic pavers, bike racks, park benches, and garbage and recycling cans.