Recycling Paper Cartons and Containers: What You Need to Know

Paper cartons and containers are a fantastic source of recyclable material. From milk cartons to mixed-material containers, let's explore some best practices for recycling and the benefits of getting these materials processed correctly.

Milk and Juice Cartons

Recyclability: Milk and juice cartons (or gable top cartons) are made from multiple layers, including paper, plastic, and aluminum to keep drinks fresh. About 75% of these cartons are paperboard, which recycling facilities love!

But beware: not all recycling centers accept these cartons due to the challenges of separating materials. It's best to check with your local program to see if they take these!

Tetra Pak Cartons

Tetra Pak cartons, like juice boxes and wine cartons, are also made of multiple materials. While they can be tricky to recycle, many facilities now accept them thanks to Tetra Pak's sustainability efforts. They have special processes to recover most of the material.

Just like with milk cartons, check if your local program collects Tetra Pak items.

Spiral Cardboard Cans

Spiral cardboard cans (like those used for potato chips) are often misunderstood. Many facilities don't accept them because they combine paper and metal. If your program does accept them, remove any plastic lids before recycling.

Some newer versions are made entirely of paper, so if yours is plastic-free and clean, you can recycle it with other paper products!

Corrugated Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes are recycling champions! Almost every recycling facility takes them. Just remember to flatten those boxes before tossing them in your bin to save space and make things easier for the workers.

Recycling cardboard saves energy and water, and it helps reduce deforestation since fewer trees need to be cut down!

Cardboard Cartons

Thin cardboard packaging, like cereal and cracker boxes, is also recyclable. These boxes are great for recovering paper fibers, making them more sustainable than plastic packaging.

Check that your cartons are made from 100% paper. Some frozen food boxes might have plastic or wax linings, so double-check with your local program.

And yes, flatten them before recycling!

Egg Cartons

Egg cartons, like those fast-food drink holders, are recyclable too! If your facility takes cardboard, they'll likely accept these shaped containers. Plus, they're often made from recycled paper!

Feeling eco-friendly? You can even compost them as part of your brown materials. Just remember to check about plastic or polystyrene egg cartons with your local recycling guidelines.

Paper Take-Out Containers

Many restaurants are switching to paper take-out containers, but they often have plastic linings, making them non-recyclable. If your take-out containers aren't lined with plastic, you can compost them instead!

Check Your Local Program

While many paper products are widely accepted, it's always a good idea to check your local recycling program's guidelines. Don't assume something is recyclable just because it looks like it! Some items might have plastic or wax linings that aren't accepted.