TerraCycle, a recycling company based in New Jersey, is known for its innovative approach to reducing and reusing waste.
That includes the walls of their own headquarters, which they have lent to local artists over the years as an ever-changing canvas.
While artists can be found at the Trenton facility all year, many come to the annual Jersey Fresh Jam in the summer. The 17th edition of the graffiti community’s day-long festival took place today.
“You know, it really helped the graffiti scene and the art scene here in Trenton get established because it gave us a place to bring people from New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC,” said the event’s organizer, artist Leon Rainbow.
“Everything they’ve been working on for the last year since the last Jersey Fresh, they’re trying to put it together and do something awesome.” Rainbow became fascinated with graffiti as a child in the 1980s and has since helped to build a vibrant community of artists in Trenton.
His event brings together street artists, DJs, breakers, and hip-hop fans to celebrate their common interests. Artist Robert Ortiz sees the event as an opportunity for collaboration to triumph over the competition. “It’s a lot different now than it was in the 80s, for me anyways,” Ortiz said.
“Now, I like to think there’s much camaraderie with the graffiti community.”
The booming music and gleaming spray paint invite artists and guests to have fun while learning more about the backdrop’s recycling mission. “The goal of TerraCycle is to eliminate the idea of waste,” said Tom Szaky, Founder and CEO. “We’re known for trying to collect and recycle those things that are hard to recycle, helping companies make their products from waste, and even shifting to reusable packaging.”
Learn more about TerraCycle and its creative recycling programs.