# Terracycle and the Art of Upcycling Innovation - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/03/terracycle-and-the-art-of-upcycling-innovation/ - Published: 2009-03-09T13:57:00-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## TerraCycle Turns Circuit Boards and Records into Cool Coasters, Picture Frames, and Clocks Trash just got a whole lot cooler, as innovative solutions and stylish designs have changed the mundane act of throwing away trash into an opportunity for creativity and repurposing. With the introduction of sleek, green containers, managing waste has never looked so good and be green at the same time. Terracycle is a prime example of a company making it easier to recycle items that are often hard to dispose of responsibly. These containers blend easily with modern home decor. Additionally, smart bins have with sensors and features for sorting recyclables are pushing the envelope. As a result, it is easier for individuals to play an active role in [protecting our planet](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/10/protecting-people-the-planet-how-two-retirees-are-going-green-with-geothermal/). This happens while also adding to the visual appeal of their living spaces. In a move that proves creativity can beat the landfill, TerraCycle is turning old circuit boards and vinyl records into stylish [home](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/10/shipping-container-homes-affordable-and-eco-friendly-living/) accessories that not only serve functional purposes but also add a unique flair to any living space. These innovative creations include coasters, picture frames, and clocks. Each is designed with a keen eye for aesthetics and [sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/05/sustainable-kitchens-eco-friendly-design-ideas/), ensuring that discarded materials are repurposed into beautiful, eco-friendly items. By transforming waste into art, TerraCycle not only [reduces](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/10/live-plastic-less-more-sustainable-life-in-2023/) environmental impact but also promotes a culture of reuse and creativity. This encourages consumers to rethink their relationship with everyday objects. ![A stylish tabletop arrangement featuring a vinyl record clock with blue hands a circuit board clock and a decorative picture frame In the background more clocks and a plant are visible creating a cozy interior aesthetic](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy. com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/image-3-400x300.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "image- The Green Living Guy") Unique home accessories made from upcycled circuit boards and vinyl records Instead of [tossing outdated electronics](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/how-55-billion-gets-tossed-annually-when-we-throw-away-electronics-into-the-abyss/) or scratched LPs into the trash, TerraCycle is giving these hard-to-recycle materials a second life. The result? Functional, eye-catching pieces that look right at home on your coffee table or wall. They also start conversations about waste, reuse, and smarter design. ## TerraCycle turns Circuit Boards to Clocks and Frames Circuit boards become rugged, industrial-looking coasters, while vinyl records are reborn as clocks and frames that still hint at their musical past. Each piece keeps materials out of landfills. In this way, recycling doesn’t have to be boring. TerraCycle has already built a reputation for rethinking [waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/07/benefits-of-using-eco-friendly-car-cleaning-products/)— from fertilizer made with worm castings to products crafted from unlikely leftovers. These [upcycled accessories are another reminder that waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/12/daniel-silverstein-collection-inspired-by-fran-drescher/) is often just a failure of imagination. If this is the [future of recycling](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/09/ford-fabric-recycled-material-for-a-sustainable-future/), we’re all in. Who would have thought Terra Cycle would do something cool like that. Great for the bars, don’t ya think. I mean think of all the paper coasters out there on a daily basis. Reuse these and have that frosty be coasting on something reused!!!! ## Editor’s Note (2009): With electronics being replaced faster than ever, e-waste is quietly becoming one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. Creative reuse projects like this from TerraCycle highlight an important early truth: before we talk about recycling electronics, we should first ask how we can reuse them. [Source](https://www.terracycle.com/en-US/): TerraCycle ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)