Recycling plays a critical role in global environmental sustainability, especially in today’s consumer-driven world. Observances like National Recycling Day (also known as America Recycles Day) on November 15 spotlight the importance of recycling and practical ways people can take part. At Wellness Pet Food, we want to highlight our collaboration with TerraCycle and offer clear guidance on how you can join the effort to create a healthier planet for pets and people alike.
What is TerraCycle, and How Does TerraCycle Work?
TerraCycle is a well-known global recycling and upcycling company that operates in multiple countries. The organization focuses on collecting and transforming hard-to-recycle packaging and products into new, usable materials and affordable goods. Their core philosophy is that many materials traditionally destined for landfill can be diverted through creative recycling solutions. TerraCycle accepts a wide range of items—from pet food packaging to single-use coffee pods and toys—and partners with brands and consumers to expand recycling opportunities. Wellness Pet Food is proud to be the first U.S.-based pet food company to partner with TerraCycle to increase recycling options for pet owners.
The program is straightforward and designed to be accessible:
- Pet owners register for the Recycle Your Wellness Packaging Program online at no cost.
- Participants send eligible Wellness Pet Food packaging to TerraCycle free of charge. Note that only specified package types are accepted; details on eligible items are outlined below.
- Every pound of material collected earns TerraCycle points—100 points per pound—which can be redeemed for gifts or donated as cash to schools and nonprofit organizations.
Through its global programs, TerraCycle has engaged millions of participants and diverted billions of pounds of waste from landfills. These collective efforts have also generated significant charitable contributions through reward programs.
TerraCycle’s Environmental Impact
Wellness’s partnership with TerraCycle has already yielded measurable benefits. In the United States, the program has helped recycle over 305,000 bags of pet food packaging, and in Canada it has recycled thousands more. There are thousands of consumer drop-off locations across North America, and hundreds of thousands of individuals have enrolled in the program.
Sample collection milestones from the Wellness-branded program include:
- 2018: 59,674 bags collected
- 2019: 88,552 bags collected
- As of September 2020: 95,100 bags collected
These figures demonstrate steady year-over-year growth. As participation increases—through more sign-ups and wider awareness—the program’s environmental impact continues to expand.
How You Can Participate in National Recycling Day
There are several easy ways to get involved for National Recycling Day and beyond. Participation is free and takes only a few steps:
- Sign up for the Recycle Your Wellness Packaging Program. Registration is free, and the program accepts specific Wellness dry food bags—such as Wellness Complete Health, Wellness CORE, and Wellness CORE RawRev—so check the program details to confirm which packages qualify.
- Share the program with friends, family, pet-sitting networks, and local pet stores. Word-of-mouth expands the program’s reach and increases the volume of material collected for recycling.
- Create a social post to mark National Recycling Day. Use your social platforms to explain how the program works and encourage others to participate; community posts help build momentum.
- Inform local media or community groups about the program to promote awareness in your area. Local outreach can create new drop-off points and engage organizations that accept donations of TerraCycle points.
Because the program is free and simple to use, it offers a no-cost way for pet owners to reduce waste and support community causes. Every package diverted from landfill represents a step toward cleaner neighborhoods and a healthier environment for people and animals.
National Recycling Day is a focal point for awareness on November 15, but the mission of recycling and sustainability is year-round. Wellness Pet Food’s partnership with TerraCycle provides an ongoing option for responsible disposal of eligible pet food packaging, helping communities, schools, and nonprofits benefit from recycled materials and reward funds. By participating, you contribute to a scalable solution that reduces waste, supports charitable causes, and promotes a more sustainable future for all.