Back to Nature Brigade

General Information & Signing Up

What kinds of pouches and bags do you accept?

You can see here a picture of packaging like the Canadian pouches and bags that we accept. Back to Nature supports this program, but they want to accept all kinds of similar packaging for fruit and nut products no matter who made them. It’s the environment that concerns us all. We donate $.02 to your chosen charity for each empty pouch and bag you send to us.

Who can sign up for the Back to Nature Brigade program?

We welcome anyone from almost any organization to join in our recycling efforts!

Note that our program is not designed to accommodate recycling centres.

What do we need to sign up for the Back to Nature Brigade program?

Signing up for the TerraCycle Back to Nature Brigade program is easy! (Note: for information about privacy issues, please visit our Privacy Policy Page at www.terracycle.ca/privacy)

First, you need to select a contact person for your organization or group. This person must be an adult. They register their contact and mailing information on our sign up page. They also respond to emails and other communications and may contact us at any time if there are questions at customersupport@terracycle.ca.

Next, you need to register information about the charity to receive the donations from your Brigade. There are two general kinds of charitable recipients: non-profit community organizations like schools, church groups, sports clubs and the like; or charitable organizations like social, environmental and other charities currently registered with the Canadian Revenue Agency. (e.g., Nature Canada).

Finally, your contact person will activate your account by responding to the email we send as soon as you submit your registration information.

And now you are ready to start collecting empty pouches and bags!

We signed up for the Back to Nature Brigade program, but I haven't received a confirmation email. What do I do?

Try signing up again and check to see that your contact email address is entered correctly. If it is, check your spam folder for an email from customersupport@terracycle.ca and mark it as “Not spam” or “Not junk”.

If all else fails, send a quick email to customersupport@terracycle.ca and we will complete your registration. This process takes a little longer depending on demand.

Sending TerraCycle your pouches and bags

How do we send you the pouches and bags we collect?

Once your account is confirmed, you can order your free UPS return shipping labels to be sent to you by postal mail OR by the website. Simply click on the "Get Mailing Labels" button on your account page (that's what comes up when you sign in) and make your choice.

By the WEBSITE, you receive your prepaid printable UPS return labels almost instantly. Follow the instructions and our site will send your browser a printable label right away. This method enables you to print out UPS shipping labels to attach to your return packages any time. (NOTE: each label can only be used once. If you need more, simply order another from your account page.)

By POSTAL MAIL, it normally takes 1 to 3 full weeks to receive your first set of prepaid UPS return labels. We mail these via Canada Post from Toronto, so delivery times will vary depending on your location. If you have not received your labels after three weeks, send an email to us at customersupport@terracycle.ca

Do you provide boxes for us to send in our returns?

In the spirit of upcycling, we ask all participants to reuse the kinds cardboard cartons that seem to be everywhere in offices, schools, grocery stores and the like. We suggest using one the size of a carton that copy paper comes in (roughly 19" x 15" x 14"). Just fill it up, attach your UPS label to it and seal it with clear shipping tape, and then drop it off at your closest UPS store or drop-off location.

How many pouches and bags can we put in each carton we send you?

Our standard suggested carton easily fits at least 500 pouches and bags, but you can always pack in more. Many people have put up to 1000 pouches and more in a single carton. Remember that you can send us packages up to 33 pounds/14 kg with each UPS label. Larger individual shipments actually mean our overall carbon footprint is lower than smaller more frequent ones.

Do you need any information beside what’s already on the UPS label?

You can indicate the number of pouches and bags in each return shipment on the outside label. We count your returns based on the average weight of all material returned to us. All the other information about your account is directly associated with your UPS label code.

Do we have to pay for shipping?

Not at all! All your shipments to us are managed with prepaid UPS return labels. This means your returns will bring the pouches and bags back to our factory so that we can make new TerraCycle products! You win, we win, and the environment wins.

Where do we take our return shipments?

Drop your return shipments at any UPS Drop-Off location. To find the one nearest you, visit www.ups.com/dropoff_CA. (Note: your label is rated for only 1 (one) pound of weight, but UPS, in support of this program, has agreed to accept these labels for larger-sized shipments up to 30 pounds/14 kg.)

If your location already has regular UPS deliveries and pick-ups, you may simply give your Brigade package to the driver.

Please do NOT call UPS for special pick-ups. This service is not available for Brigade shipments.

Collecting pouches and bags

What do we need to know about the pouches and bags we return?

We ask you to make sure the pouches and bags you send us are flattened and empty for a variety of reasons. Primarily, it is wasteful of money (and carbon) if we are charged for the extra weight or volume of any return mailer packages. Check your account online for feedback on your pouches and bags, tracking your donation progress, and other relevant information.

How does our charity receive donations from our collections?

When does our charity receive the donations from our Back to Nature Brigade?

Cheques are mailed to your charity twice a year, in June and December. We calculate the amount of your cheque based on the total number of pouches and bags you’ve sent us up to one month before the donation cheques are issued (in other words, your total in our possession by the end of April or end of October).

How much do you pay per pouch or bag?

The Back to Nature Brigade program pays $0.02 (2 cents) for each acceptable pouch or bag you send us.

Is there a limit to how many pouches and bags we can redeem?

Currently there are no limits. However, please keep in mind the realities of the 1-2 week processing and shipping times. This program is designed for low- to moderate-volume, steady streams of pouches and bags. It’s better to send us one bag every week or so, rather than 4 bags all at once.

Subscribing and Unsubscribing

Do we have to re-register each year?

Quite simply, no. Once you register, you and your organization info will be active until further notice.

What do we do if our contact person or other information changes?

The contact person on record will need to enter the changes for the new contact on your account. Once that is done, the new contact will receive all communication about the program. Similarly it is possible for the registered contact person to change charity information.

Our organization is finished collecting pouches and bags; can we unsubscribe?

To unsubscribe, return all the bags you currently have with your remaining pouches and bags and then visit your online account to unsubscribe. Your account will be credited for all returns.

How do we get answers to other questions we may have?

How can we contact you directly?

Please contact TerraCycle Canada by email at customersupport@terracycle.ca or call toll-free at 1-800-758-2943 (in the GTA, call 416-661-9676).