Our Refill Return Program
The planet shouldn’t pay excess for your clean clothes.
That’s why we have a easy refill return program that’ll help clean up the planet while you wash.
With the help of thousands of customers already participating, we have already prevented a remarkable amount of waste.
It's a match designed to last forever
Dispenser Bottles
Made from glass and drop - protected with silicone bumpers, our dispenser bottles are made classy, and made to last. They can be refilled an infinite number of times and you never have to worry about plastic degradation or leaching micro plastics.
These contain 33 loads. They come full as individual dispenser bottles, or discounted as part of a starter pack.
Refill Packs
Refill packs are a great alternative to plastic jugs, using on average 80% less plastic for the same weight product.
These refill packs come in standard size (450ml) in bundles of three, or bulk size (3L).
We collect and reuse all the empty refill packs we can, and what we can't reuse - we recycle into scoops for our powder products.
How the Refill, Return program works
1. Refill
Order a dispenser bottle, designed to last a lifetime (these come full).
2. Return
Return your refill packs for reuse. Simply purchase a reply paid envelope along with your standard order of refills - and they'll be sent straight back to us.
3. Reuse
Order as normal. Whether or not you receive a returned refill depends on our stock levels of that specific product. Currently, about 35% of refill packs going out are reused.
1. Refill
Order a dispenser bottle, designed to last a lifetime (these come full).
2. Return
Return your refill packs for reuse. Simply purchase a reply paid envelope along with your standard order of refills - and they'll be sent straight back to us.
3. Reuse
Order as normal. Whether or not you receive a returned refill depends on our stock levels of that specific product. Currently, about 35% of refill packs going out are reused.
How to Return Your Refill Packs
Occasionally, packs intended for reuse don't make it back to us. They either get damaged or arrive damage. To ensure this doesn't happen, please follow these 'Golden Rules'.
1. Tighten the lids
Our reply paid envelopes are made from 100% recycled paper, which means they cannot withstand leaking detergent.
2. Flatten your packs
The reply paid envelopes can fit up to 4 bulk and 12 regular refills, if packed correctly. The trick is to put them in flat (folded once with bulk packs), and make sure the spouts are not stacked on top of one another.
3. Keep packs clean & dry
If your refill packs are wet or leaking, they will simply be thrown away on their return journey. If your refill packs are too dirty, they also can't be processed on our end.
Refill Return Program FAQs
Am I part of the program?
Our program is a 'participate at will' type set up.
If you have refill packs, we'd love to have them back for reuse.
And if you're a subscriber, you'll be sent second life refill packs wherever they are available - unless you tell us otherwise.
If you don't subscribe, you'll have the option to choose to purchase 'second life' refill packs, where they're in stock.
What are the refill packs made from?
Our standard refill packs are made from a minimum of 30% post industrial recycled waste and virgin plastic.
There are (or were) some batches of refill packs which we were unable to make with waste due to supply issues, these simply do not have the waste claim printed on the pack.
All reused packs are sent with a sticker on them to let you know how many times they have completed a journey to a laundry across the country.
What do I need to do now that I am a part of the program?
Just save up your refill packs to send back to us.
When you are ready you can purchase a reply-paid envelope from our website. Once you have received it, all you'll need to do is book the journey back to us via this link, or drop the refills back to a post box - and the rest is in our hands.
These are reply paid, you do not need to cover any shipping on top of the price of the initial purchase.
What are the minimum refill packs to send back at one time?
Please ensure to send back at least 4 standard refill packs or 1 bulk refill. This ensures our carbon footprint is minimal while also making it worth your while.
You should be able to fit 12 standard and 4 bulk safely.
How do I pack the envelope?
The standard refill packs should be laid flat with spouts in the corner of the envelope.
The bulk refill packs should be folded in half. Please only send us Dirt refill packs.
Refill packs go through a rigorous scanning process, so the flatter you can pack the envelope, the better.
When should I buy a reply paid envelope?
We suggest waiting until you have had at least three orders delivered.
There is a both an environmental and economical cost associated with the return.
While we cover half of the expense, we'd prefer to keep the returns process as efficient as possible, by returning a big handful of refills at a time.
You can purchase an envelope here.
When should I expect to receive reused pouches?
As we grow, we often experience a shortage of second life refill packs, especially the bulk sized and stain remover packs.
We prioritise second life refill packs for our subscribers.
When there are enough returned refills in stock, we enable all customers to select second life refill packs on the product pages.
If there is no option available on the product page, it most probably means that we are out of second life refill packs for that given product.
Can I drop off my pouches to you directly?
Absolutely. You can drop them to our Auckland address:
FDM
C/O The Dirt Company
96 Highbrook Drive,
East Tāmaki, Auckland 2
013 New Zealand
How many times do the refills go through the program?
Our refill packs are designed to go through the program for a minimum of 4 times but we’re hoping to push this as we grow.
Any refill packs that do not meet our quality checks are turned into our powder scoops!
How are the refill packs sanitised?
We quality check them for leaks and faults. We then wash them thoroughly, dry them completely, mark them with a sticker to keep track of their journey, and then refill them.
Can I send back my delicate detergent and stain remover refill pouches as well?
Yes, any Dirt refill packs are included in our program.
Do I get a discount for sending the refills back?
You get a mighty good feeling for doing a great thing.
We do not offer a discount for sending back our refill packs as the cost of the program makes the packaging twice as expensive as if we were to purchase new refill packs every time.
How do I opt out of the program?
You’re more than welcome to opt out of the program at any time. Just let us know by reaching out to us here.