Tom’s of Maine partners with TerraCycle

Who knew brushing your teeth and cleaning your armpits could contribute to a greener earth?

A new recycling program has been launched by personal care manufacturer Tom’s of Maine. The company has partnered with TerraCycle, a pioneer in recycling initiatives, to give second life to product packaging. The new program is called Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Brigade.

The free collection program allows consumers to send back a variety of personal care packaging for recycling. Among the items accepted are: toothpaste tubes and caps, mouthwash bottles and caps, deodorant/antiperspirant containers, plastic soap wrappers and floss containers, regardless of brand.

For each piece of packaging collected and sent in, the collector earns points. These points can be put toward charity gifts or converted to cash and paid to any school or non-profit organization. Any individual, family, group or school can join for free at TerraCycle.com and all shipping costs are pre-paid.

Tom’s of Maine announced that the new program will help to keep packaging products out of landfills.

The company says it is constantly working to reduce its waste stream in Maine and various communities across the country.   For example, Tom’s of Maine reports all its deodorant sticks are made of a single plastic that can be recycled from canister to cap — apparently a first of its kind in the industry. And all product boxes are made of recycled/recyclable paperboard.

“At Tom’s of Maine one of our core values is to make packaging as recyclable as possible. We do this directly with our own packaging innovation and standards, but we also invest in partnerships like TerraCycle to help eliminate packaging waste,” said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom’s of Maine. “Our partnership with TerraCycle helps us connect with others who care passionately about taking care of the planet.”

TerraCycle collects more than 50 different kinds of products and packaging through its Brigade programs, which are open to any individual or organization. The group says it has already kept over two billion pieces of trash from going to the landfill. And with its partners, it has dispersed nearly $4.5 million to charity.

To celebrate the launch of this partnership, the company has announced the Tom’s of Maine Less in Landfills Sweepstakes. Through the contest, Brigade participants can earn $1,000 for the non-profit or school of their choice.