U.S. pet retailers recycle over 30 tonnes of packaging in Earth Day milestone

To mark Earth Day 2025 (22 April), U.S.-based pet retailers Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N' Wash have announced a major sustainability milestone—recycling more than 30 tonnes of plastic pet food, treat, and litter packaging through their in-store collection initiative. The programme, developed in partnership with global recycling specialist TerraCycle, provides a free and convenient way for customers to recycle packaging that is typically difficult to process through traditional systems.

Most pet food and litter packaging is made from complex materials that are not widely recyclable, contributing to an estimated 400 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually by the U.S. pet food industry. Nearly all of this waste is currently sent to landfill or enters the environment.

The joint recycling programme, launched in 2023, was the first of its kind in the U.S. pet retail sector. Customers can return any brand of pet food, treat, or litter bag packaging—including delivery bags from the two retailers—to collection points at participating stores. The materials are then cleaned, shredded, and recycled into raw materials by TerraCycle for use in new products.

Since launching, the initiative has diverted over 30 tonnes of waste from landfill and incineration. It also forms part of a broader educational effort to encourage more sustainable disposal habits among pet owners across the U.S.

Chris Rowland, Chief Executive Officer of Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N' Wash, said: Our partnership with TerraCycle continues to highlight our commitment to sustainability, not just on Earth Day, but year-round. We are proud that our neighbours have supported this commitment and contributed to the success of the program. Together, we're setting a new benchmark for environmental responsibility in the pet industry and making a lasting impact on our planet's future.

Further details on eligible products can be found on the Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash websites.