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Devin: What is your superpower?
Tom: I’ve been able to get people to believe in my ideas and help make them a reality.
Every day, TerraCycle works to solve one of the world’s largest environmental challenges: waste management. From cigarette butts to juice pouches, TerraCycle tackles items that are difficult or impossible to recycle through traditional systems. The company partners with leading brands, retailers, and individuals to make recycling these materials not only possible but impactful for the planet.
“There are so many things that are not recyclable, not because they can’t be, but because it costs more to collect and process them than the results are worth,” explained Tom Szaky, founder and CEO of TerraCycle, during an interview. “This is where TerraCycle comes in. We work with stakeholders to fund the cost of recycling these hard-to-recycle waste streams.”
Tom revealed that the company has been operating successfully for 25 years and serves over 20 countries worldwide. This success is driven by a commitment not only to environmental impact but also to business fundamentals. TerraCycle has been profitable for over a decade, has issued regular dividends since 2018, and recently raised $5 million in under 60 days through a regulated investment crowdfunding (Reg CF) campaign. The capital is being deployed to fuel growth, primarily through acquisitions that strengthen operational capabilities.
“The Reg CF allowed us to raise from everyday people—non-accredited investors—who believe in our mission and the future of TerraCycle,” Tom said. The company is currently expanding further with a Reg A offering, giving more individuals the opportunity to invest and share in TerraCycle’s vision of a trash-free world.
Tom Szaky, CEO of TerraCycle, will be a featured speaker at SuperCrowd26 featuring PurposeBuilt100™️, a three-day event from August 25–27. Produced by The Super Crowd, Inc., this broadcast-quality event offers founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders practical insights and disciplined frameworks for impact investing. Don’t miss Tom’s session—register now at supercrowd26.com!
Tom’s perspective on waste is inspiring. He explained that garbage is a modern problem, created about 75 years ago. Yet, within this challenge lies opportunity. Instead of viewing waste as merely an environmental issue, TerraCycle repositions garbage as a valuable resource—a mindset integral to the company’s mission.
This is more than profit-driven entrepreneurship; TerraCycle exemplifies the power of purpose to drive innovation and change. Investing in the planet’s future through waste recycling isn’t just good business—it’s essential.
By making recycling accessible and actionable, TerraCycle empowers companies and individuals alike to play a role in reducing waste and building a sustainable future.
tl;dr:
TerraCycle tackles hard-to-recycle waste, partnering with brands and individuals to eliminate garbage.
Tom Szaky revealed how the company’s services span 20 countries and 25 years of innovation.
TerraCycle raised $5 million via a Reg CF campaign to accelerate growth and acquisitions.
The current Reg A offering allows anyone, not just accredited investors, to invest in TerraCycle.
Tom shared his superpower: inspiring belief in ideas through purpose and passion-driven leadership.
How to Develop Inspiring Belief in Big Ideas As a Superpower
Tom describes his ability to inspire belief in his ideas as his superpower. Reflecting on his lifelong talent for gaining support, Tom explained, “I’ve been able to get people to believe in my ideas and help make them a reality.” At TerraCycle, this ability manifests in attracting customers, investors, and volunteers who all rally to support the company’s mission. He added, “You make what you’re working on so interesting, so exciting, and you have to really believe in that yourself…people are magnetized to it.”
Tom’s superpower first revealed itself in second grade through an origami project. He began folding cranes, inspired to create a beautiful curtain for his room. As his enthusiasm grew, it captured the attention of his classmates; first, his table joined in, then the entire class. Without asking for help, Tom’s passion made others eager to participate. This dynamic has followed him to TerraCycle, where hundreds of thousands of volunteers now help run recycling programs around the world.
Tips for Developing the Superpower:
Choose an idea you deeply believe in—passion is contagious and magnetizes others.
Focus on how your idea contributes beauty, value, or purpose to the world.
Avoid asking for help directly; instead, lead by example and draw people in with your actions.
Develop purposeful ideas that inspire others to contribute willingly.
By following Tom’s example and advice, you can make inspiring belief in big ideas a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Tom Szaky (he/him):
CEO/Founder, TerraCycle
About TerraCycle: TerraCycle is an international leader in innovative sustainability solutions, creating and operating first-of-their-kind platforms in recycling, recycled materials, and reuse. Across 18 countries, TerraCycle is on a mission to eliminate the idea of waste and develop practical solutions for today’s complex waste challenges. The company engages an expansive multi-stakeholder community, from Fortune 500 companies to schools and households, across a wide range of accessible programs and has raised millions for schools and nonprofits since its founding more than 20 years ago. To learn more about TerraCycle and join them on their journey to move the world from a linear economy to a circular one, please visit terracycle.com.
Website: terracycle.com
Company Facebook Page: facebook.com/TerraCycle
Instagram Handle: @terracycle
Other URL: invest.terracycle.com
Biographical Information: Tom Szaky is founder and CEO of TerraCycle, an international leader in innovative sustainability solutions, creating and operating first-of-their-kind platforms in recycling, recycled materials, and reuse. Across 21 countries, TerraCycle is on a mission to rethink waste and develop practical solutions for today’s complex waste challenges. The company engages an expansive multi-stakeholder community across a wide range of accessible programs, from Fortune 500 companies to schools and individuals.
In 2019, TerraCycle launched Loop, a circular reuse platform that enables consumers to purchase products in durable, reusable packaging. Loop is available in France, Japan and the U.S., and is a key step in helping to end the epidemic of waste that is caused by ‘single-use’ consumption.
Tom and TerraCycle have received hundreds of social, environmental and business awards and recognition from a range of organizations including the United Nations, World Economic Forum, Fortune Magazine, Time Magazine and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Tom is the author of four books, Revolution in a Bottle, Outsmart Waste, Make Garbage Great and The Future of Packaging. Tom created, produced and starred in TerraCycle’s reality show, “Human Resources” which aired on Pivot from 2014-2016 and is syndicated in more than 20 foreign markets on Amazon and iTunes.
LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/tomszaky
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Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
Join the SuperCrowd Impact League! You can be recognized for making impact investments via Reg CF. See how your activity compares to your peers. It’s free. Win valuable prizes. Start now!
SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on June 9th at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. Mark your calendar. We’ll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details. Upgrade to Impact Membership today!
Devin Thorpe will lead SuperCrowdHour on June 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern. In this insightful session, “How to Benchmark Your Impact Crowdfunding Portfolio v. the Stock Market,” Devin will explore how impact investors can evaluate the performance of their regulated investment crowdfunding portfolios alongside traditional stock market benchmarks. Drawing on his experience as a former investment banker, impact investor, and crowdfunding advocate, he will break down practical methods for measuring returns, assessing risk, and understanding the broader value created through impact investing. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how private impact investments compare with public market performance, what metrics matter most, and how to build a more informed long-term investment strategy. Whether you’re an experienced impact investor or just beginning to build your crowdfunding portfolio, this SuperCrowdHour will provide valuable insights to help you evaluate both financial and social returns with greater confidence and clarity.
SuperCrowd26 featuring PurposeBuilt100™: This August 25–27, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders will gather for a three-day, broadcast-quality global experience focused on disciplined capital formation, regulated investment crowdfunding, and purpose-driven growth. We’re bringing together leading voices in impact investing, compliance, digital marketing, and circular economy innovation to deliver practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies. The event culminates in the PurposeBuilt100™ Showcase, recognizing 100 of the fastest-growing purpose-driven companies in the U.S. Register now to secure your seat and get all the details. August 25–27, streaming worldwide.
Share the application for the PurposeBuilt100™: Purpose-driven founders deserve recognition. The PurposeBuilt100™ application window is now open—celebrating the fastest-growing companies building profit with purpose. If you know a founder creating real impact and real growth, please share this opportunity. Applications are free and confidential. Explore the program and apply today: PurposeBuilt100.com.
Community Event Calendar
Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.
Join Tampa Bay Innovation and Menlo Park Patents for the Q2 Pitch Showcase, a live gathering for founders, inventors, investors, and startup supporters. Watch selected entrepreneurs pitch bold ideas, network with the innovation community, and see winners earn valuable prizes, including patent, valuation, and investor-meeting opportunities in St. Petersburg, Florida.
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