Trashie, a New York-based recycling startup, has developed a unique solution to incentivize individuals to recycle their old textiles. CEO Kristy Caylor created Trashie as a way to help people reduce the burden of textiles in their homes by offering cash back rewards to shop at top brands like Cozy Earth and AllBirds in exchange for sending in their old clothes. The company’s Take Back Bag system allows users to fill up a bag with any clothing items, scan a QR code for a free mailing label, and drop it off at a UPS Center to receive TrashieCash. This initiative has already shown success, with Trashie diverting millions of items totaling millions of pounds from landfills in 2023 alone.
Trashie prides itself on its transparency regarding the downcycling process, partnering with a global network of retailers who purchase specifically graded items for resale. The company’s mission is to become everyone’s default choice for clothing recycling, working towards a circular economy and systems change at scale. Despite only officially launching in February, Trashie has already gained a loyal customer base, with people excited about the opportunity to earn rewards while recycling their old clothes. The Takeback Bag system allows users to earn $30 in TrashieCash for each bag they fill up and send back, which can be used for rewards in various categories like clothes, dining, and entertainment.
One reviewer shared their positive experience with Trashie, describing the ease of sending in their old t-shirts and receiving credits to purchase eco-friendly laundry sheets. Customers are also excited about the ability to use their credits to purchase gifts for friends and family members, while knowing that their old clothing items are being kept out of landfills. Trashie users are buying multiple bags and becoming repeat customers, excited about the simplicity of the clean-out process and the rewards they can earn. Trashie’s success lies in its innovative approach to incentivizing sustainable behavior and providing a convenient solution for recycling old textiles.
Trashie’s impact is not limited to individual consumers, as the company also partners with retailers to ensure that recycled items are put to good use. The company sold 380,000 Take Back Bags in 2023, diverting millions of items from landfills, and continues to expand its reach and influence in the recycling industry. Trashie aims to help individuals make sustainable choices in a convenient and rewarding way, ultimately contributing to a positive environmental impact on a global scale. Through its unique approach to recycling and downcycling, Trashie has become a promising player in the circular economy movement, inspiring individuals to make a difference in their own lives and in the world.
