Exploring the Path to a Waste-Free Future: A Conversation with TerraCycle
In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, sits down with Tom Szaky, CEO of TerraCycle®, for a dynamic conversation about the reality and future of recycling in America.
Tom shares the inspiring story behind TerraCycle—from turning cafeteria food waste and worm compost into plant food as a Princeton freshman to leading a global movement that tackles “unrecyclable” waste streams, from coffee capsules to cigarette butts and even dirty diapers. Together, Jenny and Tom demystify what makes something recyclable, explore why recycling systems can be misunderstood by the public, and discuss practical market solutions for closing the loop and eliminating waste.
You’ll hear how economics drive recycling, the challenges of fast fashion, and the innovative partnerships that turn cigarette butts into park benches and athletic equipment. Plus, Jenny introduces a recurring segment with her mom to answer everyday recycling questions about pizza boxes, batteries, and more.
If you’re curious about how recycling really works, the myth of “away,” and how you can play a part in building a circular economy, this episode is a must! Tune in to discover actionable insights, learn about successful closed-loop projects, and get inspired to help create beautiful, waste-free communities.
For more details and ways to get involved, visit kab.org. Join us on the journey to do beautiful things for our planet—listen now!
Show Notes:
- 00:00 “Recycling Reality Check Podcast”
- 04:20 “Transforming Waste into Opportunity”
- 08:03 Funding Recycling for Difficult Materials
- 11:40 Fast Fashion’s Waste Problem
- 13:35 “Closed-Loop Textile Solutions”
- 18:23 “Clean Streets, Litter Patterns”
- 22:35 “Towards a Fully Reusable Future”
- 23:53 “Recycling Questions with Mom”
Show Links:
- TerraCycle: https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/
- TerraCycle + KAB: https://hs.terracycle.com/kab
About Keep America Beautiful®:
Keep America Beautiful®, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful® strives to End Littering, Improve Recycling, and Beautify America’s Communities. We believe everyone has a right to live in a clean, green, and beautiful community, and shares a responsibility to contribute to that vision. The organization is driven by the work and passion of 700 Keep America Beautiful® affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the collaborative support of corporate partners, social and civic service organizations, academia, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org. MEDIA CONTACTS: McCall Vrydaghs Keep America Beautiful® communications@kab.org