Can I Recycle Cartons?
Yes, most cartons that are found on the grocery store shelf or in the refrigerated section are recyclable.
Relatively new to the recycling stream, cartons are an important addition to curbside recycling programs.
Often called aseptic containers, these cartons are sanitized and sterilized before they are filled. A thin aluminum layer acts a barrier between the food or beverage and the paper (fiber) container. A common misconception about cartons is that they have “waxy” exterior which makes them non-recyclable. In fact, the cartons are covered with a thin layer of plastic. This, along with their paper interior make them highly recyclable.
This means your juice, milk, soup, wine, and cream cartons are all part of your curbside program. If you’re not sure, remember that most cartons that are found on the grocery store shelf or in the refrigerated section are recyclable. Please be sure cartons are empty and gently rinse them before placing them in the recycling bin.
During the recycling process, plastic and aluminum are separated from the fiber and continue on to another facility. The fiber is either sent to a paper mill to make new paper or different facilities which use it for building material like ceiling tiles and wallboard.
Tips on Recycling Unique Cartons
Although most cartons are recyclable, there are some unique cartons that are not recyclable.
Egg Cartons
While cardboard egg cartons can be recycled because they’re made out of fiber, foam (polystyrene) egg cartons are not part of the program. Polystrene is prohibited from most curbside programs as it is very difficult to recycle. Read More on Egg Carton Recycling >
Juice Boxes & Pouches
Paper juice boxes are recyclable and should be placed in your recycling bin. Please be sure to remove the straw and throw it in the garbage. Plastic straws are not part of the program. While juice or baby food pouches do not belong in your curbside bin, there are other options for recycling. TerraCycle is a company that focuses on plastic packaging that cannot be accepted curbside. Juice pouches, and many other items, can be shipped to them to ensure proper recycling.
Ice Cream Cartons
Everyone’s favorite carton- the ice cream container. Whether you’re a cookies and cream lover or like to keep it simple with vanilla, ice cream is a fan-favorite for any age. While we may love ice cream, recycling centers do not. Ice cream containers are made out of materials that are meant to withstand the elements in your freezer, which makes them too difficult to process. Please do not recycle ice cream cartons and, instead, throw them in the garbage.
