WHO knew you could make bags out of toothpaste tubes and turn toothbrushes into pens? Students at Mary Help of Christians Primary School were delighted to discover the concept of 'upcycling' when TerraCycle general manager Anna Minns visited their school recently. TerraCycle is an innovative company that tackles difficult to recycle waste streams, turning 'unrecyclable' waste into new sustainable products. Year 6 students and environment ministers Isabella Treleaven and Jake Hicks were amazed to learn you could turn waste items into nifty, new products. "It's so interesting," Jake said. "They even turn babies' nappies into new stuff." The students got to take home items like fruit punch poppers-cum-pencil cases and cleansing wipe packages-cum-bags. In the lead up to World Environment Day on June 5, TerraCycle is calling on Coffs Coast residents to recycle their used toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes and floss containers. The primary school is participating in the nationwide program to save used oral care items from landfill, collecting these items from the community, sending them to TerraCycle to be recycled and getting two cents for every piece of waste in return. Principal Liz Watts said they are excited about starting the program and look forward to a big collection drive. Visit www.terracycle. com.au to learn more.