If your concern about the effects of Halloween treats extends beyond tooth decay to the environment, a New Jersey company is offering a way to feel better about all the wrappers you collect Oct. 31.

With spending on treats, costumes and décor underway, Trenton-based TerraCycle wants to help unwrap responsible practices for items that aren’t easily recyclable. To put these materials on track for an effective afterlife, the company offers its Zero Waste Box.

For Halloween, TerraCycle unveiled a spooky version of the all-in-one recycling solution in three sizes. For those expecting to collect fewer treats, the innovative recycling, reuse and recycled materials company also offers a special Halloween Treat Wrappers – Zero Waste Pouch option.

According to TerraCycle, most candy wrappers are not easy to recycle, made from a mix of materials including polypropylene, aluminum foil and paper. The Zero Waste Box offers an option for keeping seasonal refuse out of the trash.

And expectations are high for this Halloween. A recent survey from candy maker Ferrero North America found that 69% of consumers plan to buy candy this year — even if they don’t expect trick-or-treaters.

According to the National Retail Federation, spending on candy in 2024 is expected to hit $3.5 billion in 2024. With total planned purchasing projected to reach $11.6 billion, NRF expects high spending in other waste-making categories, as well.

20 million and counting

“In North America, TerraCycle has recycled nearly 20 million candy wrappers and snack packaging–and counting!–through our Zero Waste Boxes to date,” said founder and CEO Tom Szaky. “It’s frightening to know that otherwise, this waste would end up in landfills and incinerators.”

To clean up when it’s time for decorations to come down, there’s also help. TerraCycle’s All-In-One Zero Waste Box collects un-recyclable products ranging from string lights to clothing and accessories as well as plastic and paper packaging.

Boxes are great for businesses, as well as other public spaces — such as schools, community centers or parks.

Once a box is full, boxes or pouches travel back to TerraCycle via an attached prepaid shipping label for processing. After cleaning, melting and recycling, manufactured pellets are available to scare up new haunts in the future.

More treats

• Mars, PIM Brands plan candy freebies
• NJ DCA conducts compliance inspections at seasonal pop-up shops