What do you do with used pens and plastic toothbrushes?

Even if you separate used items properly, most don’t get recycled, but little by little, collection and recycling technologies are increasing in Japan.

[Pen recycling]

Terra Cycle and LOFT have been collecting used pens as a trial since 2021. At the end of February 2023, the collection location as increased and apparently they have collected a total of about 643 kg by the end of February 2023!

Details - (excerpt from @terracyclejp)
※ Collections: Used pens and other plastic writing instruments, correction tape, and other plastic packages.
※ Any brand is acceptable.

[Recycling of toothbrushes]

TerraCycle and LION are working together on a toothbrush recycling program. This program collects and recycles used toothbrushes, which would otherwise be thrown away, and transforms them into new plastic products such as flowerpots.

Details - (excerpt from @terracyclejp)
※ Participation is free of charge.
※ Collection: Household use toothbrushes only

Terra Cycle runs other recycle programs - for more information, visit their website (following is Japanese). They also run other programs around the world so toggle to other countries!

https://www.terracycle.com/ja-JP/brigades