Writing Instruments Brigade

Writing Instruments Brigade Page FAQ’s

General Information

SIGN UP

What kinds of writing instruments are acceptable?

We accept any brand and any size pen, pencils, mechanical pencils, markers and highlighters. No wooden pencils, please.

Who can sign up for the Writing Instruments Brigade?

We welcome anyone from almost any organization to join in our recycling efforts! There are some practical considerations your organizations should keep in mind. For example, our program is not designed to accommodate recycling centers.

Which states can participate in the TerraCycle Brigades?

TerraCycle Brigade programs are open to all U.S. States EXCEPT for ALASKA,Hawaii and Puerto Rico. If you live in Alaska ,Hawaii or Puerto Rico and sign-up for a Brigade, your account will be automatically deactivated and your location will notbe able to print or request labels. We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to have brigade programs running in those states and territories in the future.

What do I need to sign up for the Writing Instruments Brigade?

Signing up for the Writing Instruments Brigade Program is easy!

You will need to provide 1) a contact person to oversee the Writing Instruments Brigade at your location and 2) a 501(c)3 charity (and its Tax ID #).

Please note: If you do not enter the correct tax ID number for your charity, TerraCycle will be unable to disburse payments. Additionally, an incorrect tax ID number, could cause your account to default to the TerraCycle default charity: The Nature Conservancy.

If you do not have your own charity, you can select our default charity. You will also need to provide a valid e-mail and mailing address.

Can my school or organization sign up more than once?

No. Each individual and organization, including schools, can only have one Writing Instruments Brigade account. Any additional accounts will be suspended. However, more than one brigade can benefit a single school. If you have any questions please contact customersupport@terracycle.net for clarification.

What if my information changes or needs to be updated?

If for any reason you need to change or update your information, please select the collect tab (located on your profile) and then simply click edit this team. If you still need assistance or have questions please contact Customer Support at 1-866–967–6766 or email customersupport@terracycle.net and someone will be glad to assist you.

PAYMENT

Is there a minimum/maximum amount of packaging to collect before my school or charity will receive a check?

If you have a payment of less than $5 in December, we will not cut a check at that time. If you are still under $5 in June, we will send you whatever your payment is at that time. Otherwise, you can collect as much packaging as you like and we will submit checks in December for any amount over $5.

I've sent collections in to benefit a charity. Why didn’t I receive a check?

Charity checks are mailed DIRECTLY to the designated charity, not to the individual contact. Charities will receive a check in June for collections received between November 1st-April 30th. Charities will receive a check in December for collections received between May 1st –October 31st.

I forgot to select a charity during sign up. Can I still select one?

Yes. You can select or change the charity through the TerraCycle website for the Writing Instruments Brigade. Simply log into your account at www.terracycle.net and click on the purple “Benefit” tab through your profile. Select the green “change” link under “My Current Charity is…”. Select the option - “New Charity” and fill out all necessary charity information.

Please note:

Whichever charity you have listed on your account on April 30th and October 31st will be the beneficiary of the funds earned on your account. You can also call 1-866-967-6766 or email customersupport@terracycle.net with the charity name, address, contact person and Tax ID #.

SHIPPING

Do I have to pay for shipping?

Nope! You will be able to print pre-paid UPS shipping labels from our website through your online account. This will bring your Writing Instruments Brigade collections back to our factory to be up-cycled into TerraCycle eco-chic products! You win, we win, and the environment wins!

How do I ship the packaging back to TerraCycle?

Option 1 (Eco Friendly way!): If you already have a reused box or bag, you can download your own pre-paid UPS return label by clicking the “Get Supplies” icon and select Writing Instruments Brigade under the drop down menu on our web site. Print the pre-paid label and affix to the reused box or back and drop off at a local ups drop off location.

Option 2: You can also have us ship 2 UPS pre-paid return labels, by clicking “Send Me Mailing Labels.” Your pre-paid return labels will be shipped to your address. Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery time. Delivery times may vary depending on your location.

Is there a limit to how many pieces of packaging I can send in?

There is no limit to the amount of writing instruments you can send in. We ask that you fill a box with a minimum of 50 writing instruments before shipping. As long as you have been sending in a slow, steady stream, you are doing well. For additional information, please see the “Shipping Instructions”, which you can download from the GROW tab located on your online account.

I checked my status. Why is it incorrect?

Please check back frequently to see your status update. If there is a serious problem with collections/donations status please call Brigade Services at 1-866-967-6766 or e-mail customersupport@terracycle.net.

How much will my organization be paid for the Writing Instruments Brigade?

Each writing instrument your location sends in will earn the non-profit of your choice $0.02. Writing instruments will be counted based on weight, using .022 lbs. as the average weight of a writing instrument.

We are done collecting for the Writing Instruments Brigade, can we unsubscribe?

Please log into your account on the TerraCycle website. Select the “COLLECT” tab and then the option “Remove this Brigade” located under the Writing Instruments Brigade.