FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Tamaru

Let Me Help You with Your Questions About Tamaru.

Tamaru is designed to make recycling easy, fun, and rewarding β€” and we’re here to help answer all your questions.

🌱 1. Is Tamaru Free to Use?

Yes! Tamaru is completely free to use for all individuals, whether you’re a public member (e.g., a local resident) or a private member of a registered Tamaru Collective (e.g., a school, workplace, or community group).

There are no hidden fees or subscriptions for users. The app is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of your role or affiliation.

πŸ§‘β€πŸ’» 2. Do I Need to Log In to Use Tamaru?

Yes. To ensure a seamless experience and to track your contributions and rewards, you’ll need to:

  • Create an account
  • Log in to Tamaru

This helps us keep your data secure and allows you to earn rewards for your efforts.

πŸ“¦ 3. What Types of Recyclables Can I Contribute?

You can contribute a wide range of common recyclable materials, including:

  • Bottles
  • Cans
  • Paper
  • Cardboard
  • And other items accepted by your local recycling facility

Note: If you’re participating in a private or corporate recycling program, the accepted items may vary. Always check your local guidelines.

πŸ† 4. How Do I Earn Rewards?

You can earn leaderboard points and rewards by participating in the following activities:

  • Contributing recyclables
  • Collecting recyclables
  • Joining community challenges

The more you participate, the more you earn β€” and the more you help the planet!

🀝 5. How Do You Make Money if Tamaru Is Free?

We offer Tamaru for free to users, made possible by:

  • Strategic partnerships with recycling facilities
  • Support from sustainability-focused sponsors
  • Tiered pricing plans for coordinators (cities, schools, nonprofits, local co-ops, etc.)

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🧾 Pricing for Tamaru Collective Coordinators

Tamaru is priced per Tamaru Collective (group/team), based on the number of members. Here are the options:

  • ~25 members: Free
  • ~100 members: $50/month or $500/year (alternatively, time-limited offer β€” see below)
  • For larger groups: Custom plans β€” Contact us

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πŸ’¬ Special Offer: Sponsorship + Advocacy Plan

Love Tamaru and want to support the mission without a monthly fee?

Our Sponsorship + Advocacy Plan offers a fully featured private Tamaru Collective in exchange for helping us grow and share our vision. This is an excellent option for early adopters, educators, and community leaders who are passionate about what we’re building.

  • 6-month access for your private Tamaru Collective members
  • One-time testimonial or advocacy content (e.g., a short testimonial, blog post, social media shoutout, or video)
  • Ideal for users who want to support sustainability while using Tamaru

This helps us grow our impact and bring Tamaru to even more communities β€” while ensuring it stays free for those who need it most.

Want to learn more? Get in touch and let’s build a greener future together.

πŸ‘₯ 6. How Can I Participate Only in My Private Tamaru Collective?

By default, you’ll join as a public member, but you can also join a private Tamaru Collective at any time. If you’d like to participate only in a private Tamaru Collective, make sure to ask the collective administrator to send you an invitation link or QR code before you start collecting or posting recyclables.

πŸ—οΈ 7. Can Anyone Start Their Own Private Tamaru Collective?

Yes! Anyone can start their own private Tamaru Collective β€” whether it’s for a community group, business, school, or organization. Simply reach out to our support team or use the Collective Creation Tool to set up your private group.

πŸ”„ 8. Can I Join Multiple Tamaru Collectives?

At the moment, you can join only one Tamaru Collective at a time. If you join a new collective, you’ll automatically leave the previous one.

πŸ” 9. Do You Use Aggressive Data or User Tracking?

No. Your privacy is our top priority. We do not use aggressive data tracking or invasive user monitoring.

  • Your location is only used to help you find nearby recyclables and post items.
  • We use Umami, a GDPR-compliant analytics platform, to provide an optimal user experience without compromising your privacy.

🌏 10. Where did the name “Tamaru” come from?

Tamaru is derived from the Japanese word γ€Œθ²―γΎγ‚‹γ€ (tamaru), meaning “to collect”, “to accumulate”, or “to build up.” Just like the name suggests, Tamaru is about collecting recyclables and building a cleaner futureβ€”one bottle at a time.

In short? We’re here to make recycling easy, fun, and rewarding β€” for your community and the planet. 🌍

In case you’re interested in becoming a sponsor or partner, please reach out to us at partnerships [at] tamaru.xyz or use the Contact Us form. We’ll be happy to discuss potential opportunities.