Carton Recycling 101
Recycling Cartons is as easy as 1-2-3
It might seem like a small action, but every recycled item helps create a more sustainable future. In three simple steps, you can help preserve natural resources, reduce climate impact and actively help to reduce litter.
Empty
any remaining
liquid
Keep the cap on
or push the
straw back in
Toss them
into the
recycling bin
Learn About Cartons
What are food and beverage cartons?
Food and beverage cartons are paper-based packages that play an essential role in delivering safe, nutritious food and preventing food waste.
There are two types of food and beverage cartons, both of which are recyclable:
Shelf-Stable Cartons
(or aseptic)
Aseptic cartons are shelf-stable and are often used to store products like broth, soups, juices, nutritional shakes or milk for long periods of time without the need for preservatives or refrigeration. Shelf-stable cartons are made up on average of 74% paper, 22% plastic (polyethylene) and 4% aluminum. These layers keep light and oxygen out which allows them to remain safe on the shelf.
Refrigerated Cartons
(or gable top)
Gable top cartons require refrigeration and are often considered the traditional milk carton. They contain about 80% paper and 20% plastic (polyethylene). These cartons may contain milk, juice, cream or other beverages and are located in the chilled section of the grocery store.
Benefits of food and beverage cartons
Benefit
Renewable
They’re made mostly from paperboard, a responsibly-sourced, plant-based renewable material.
Benefit
Lightweight
Their lightweight structure makes cartons ideal for transporting products and minimizing space and weight in transport.
Benefit
Efficient
A low package-to-product ratio means less packaging is required to keep the product inside safe.
Carton Recycling Address Locator
Enter your street address to see if you can recycle cartons in your community
Today, 62% of U.S. households can recycle food and beverage cartons through local programs.
Once you start typing, your address will populate automatically. It will not be stored.