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

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.

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