Tom Szaky, Founder and CEO of TerraCycle, on Turning Waste into Value, the Future of Reuse, and Why Policy Is Key to a Circular Economy
- Admin
- Oct 20
- 2 min read
What are the real economics behind recycling and reuse—and why, despite decades of progress, are we recycling less of our growing waste?
In this insightful conversation with TerraCycle Founder and CEO Tom Szaky, we unpack the market forces, policy levers, and behavioral dynamics that shape the global waste system. Szaky explains why recycling often fails to scale, how value—not technology—determines what gets recycled, and why the world still produces more waste per person each year.
We dive into:
The harsh truth about recycling economics: why most recyclers only process what’s profitable.
The “Great Fiberization” trend and the myths around compostable and “eco” packaging.
Why technology isn’t a silver bullet—and why true change must confront value and cost.
France’s groundbreaking reuse model: a case study in regulation that works, with retailers like Carrefour leading the way.
How policy drives innovation: the interplay between free markets, extended producer responsibility, and consumer behavior.
A hopeful yet pragmatic look ahead to 2030, and what it will take for circular systems to thrive globally.
About Tom Szaky
Tom Szaky is founder and CEO of TerraCycle, an international leader in innovative sustainability solutions, creating and operating first-of-their-kind platforms in recycling, recycled materials, and reuse. Across 21 countries, TerraCycle is on a mission to rethink waste and develop practical solutions for today’s complex waste challenges. The company engages an expansive multi-stakeholder community across a wide range of accessible programs, from Fortune 500 companies to schools and individuals.
In 2019, TerraCycle launched Loop, a circular reuse platform that enables consumers to purchase products in durable, reusable packaging. Loop is available in France, Japan and the U.S., and is a key step in helping to end the epidemic of waste that is caused by 'single-use' consumption.
Tom and TerraCycle have received hundreds of social, environmental and business awards and recognition from a range of organizations including the United Nations, World Economic Forum, Fortune Magazine, Time Magazine and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Tom is the author of four books, Revolution in a Bottle, Outsmart Waste, Make Garbage Great and The Future of Packaging. Tom created, produced and starred in TerraCycle’s reality show, “Human Resources” which aired on Pivot from 2014-2016 and is syndicated in more than 20 foreign markets on Amazon and iTunes.