TerraCycle Foundation - Informal Recycling Sector

While TerraCycle has focused much of its work in the last decade in countries with strong recycling infrastructure, changing consumer behaviour from landfilling to recycling, we are now planning to launch (through a non-profit organization) operations in developing nations to work within the informal recycling sector, directly with waste pickers to strengthen recycling efforts. The two regions that TerraCycle hopes to launch the organization in both India and Thailand. Because TerraCycle’s traditional collection models do not transfer seamlessly into the informal sector, we’d like to compare three to five successful examples of groups, organizations, or governments who have made strides in formalizing the waste picking sector and use them as a tool to advise and build TerraCycle’s model. ● Pick 3-5 successful models/organizations or interventions that have aided in formalizing the informal waste-picking sector globally. These examples do not have to exist solely in India/Thailand. ● A final report detailing key Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of each type of formalization method. ● The group might find it useful to conduct the following analysis to aid in the above: o Understand the key NGOs, groups, people, and Companies that play a role within the informal recycling sector. ▪ Do current recycling programs involve multiple organizations or levels of partnership to exist? If so, who are the main parties? (Ie who are the middle men) ▪ Do these groups get paid and how is revenue distributed? o How does waste-picking and recycling function operationally? What tools are used? Where do facilities exist? Who manages these facilities? ▪ What does the supply chain of the waste-picking and recycling model look like? o How do these interventions provide access to health/education as part of their model?

TerraCycle Foundation - Loop Shopping System

“Loop” is a new global shopping system being developed by TerraCycle that seeks to redefine how consumers can access their favorite products in a more convenient and premium experience, all while eliminating the idea of waste. Loop's circular system will deliver (full) and pick up (empty) branded consumable products to and from homes in durable, smart, non-disposable/fully reusable packaging. This new model would launch in Toronto as a pilot in early 2020 and TerraCycle requires an initial market assessment before entering this market. Deliverables: Competitive Analysis: ● Understanding similar competitors who already exist in the space – Other Food Subscriptions, online groceries, etc. o Example: What is their size? Revenue? Which areas/regions and demographics do they serve? What is their cost? Regulatory Analysis: ● What policies exist in Canada/Toronto around Packaging (Packaging Taxes). How can LOOP be exempt from packaging taxes through this model? Government Synergies or Threats? · How can Government provide spaces for LOOP shipping totes, locker systems, cleaning facilities as part of its mandate to the environment? · Are there any threats that exist that would hinder government support? Consumer Research: · Preliminary research on consumer type. Who is the Toronto Consumer ? What percentage of consumers engage in ecommerce, what percentage get their groceries delivered? What is the age demographic of those engaged in ecommerce related to food? What data already exists and what would TerraCycle need to conduct independently.