The Cincinnati-based parent of Gillette, Procter & Gamble Co., is funding a nationwide recycling program for razors, regardless of who makes them. The maker of consumer goods such as Gillette razors (NYSE: PG) is finalizing a plan to expand the recycling initiative to other countries, said Gary Coombe, P&G’s CEO for the Boston-based Gillette division. P&G is partnering on the effort with TerraCycle to recycle all brands of disposable razors, replaceable-blade cartridge units and razor plastic packaging. The goal is to keep as many razors out of landfills as possible. Based in Trenton, N.J., TerraCycle claims to be the world’s leader in the collection and repurposing of post-consumer waste. P&G is working with TerraCycle on Herbal Essences shampoo bottles made of 25 percent beach plastic, and the companies also partnered on projects such as reusable packaging. The new initiative funded by P&G will be branded as a Gillette recycling program. P&G also makes Venus razors for women. The cost of the razor recycling program wasn’t disclosed by P&G, which recently stepped up an effort to align the company more closely with the concept of social responsibility. “This is an important first step toward sustainable solutions for shaving products," Coombe said. Consumers can recycle razors in three ways:

• Gillette Razor Recycling Program: Those who want to recycle razors from home can sign up via this program page. When ready to ship the waste, they can download a self-funded TerraCycle tracking label, package the razors in a secure, puncture-proof package and send it to TerraCycle for recycling.
• Gillette Razor Local Recycling Solutions: Businesses, gyms, colleges, cities and community organizations can become public drop-off points for the Gillette Razor Recycling Program. Those interested can sign up on this program page. After acceptance to the program, they will be sent a razor recycling bin developed by TerraCycle and Gillette. Once the bin is full, it can be sealed and returned to TerraCycle via UPS, and a new bin will be sent to them. The address listed in the account will be posted on the publicly available map of local recycling solutions on the Gillette Razor Recycling Program page. P&G is funding all recycling and shipping costs for public locations.
• Gillette On Demand Razor Recycling Program: Consumers who participate in the Gillette On Demand subscription service can recycle their razors through the Gillette Razor Recycling Program. They can sign up via this program page. When ready to ship waste, they can download a self-funded TerraCycle tracking label, repackage the used razors in the Gillette On Demand delivery box and send it to TerraCycle for recycling.

The collected packaging will be recycled into a variety of new consumer products such as park benches, bike racks, pet food bowls and recycling bins, according to P&G.