Are Milk Cartons Recyclable? Here's What You Need to Know

Yes! Milk cartons are recyclable. Follow this guide to learn exactly how to recycle milk cartons to help reduce waste in landfills, and help recycling facilities do their jobs.

How To Recycle Milk Cartons

Are milk cartons recyclable? Yes, but not all milk cartons were created equal. There are two different types of milk cartons: gable-top and aseptic. Gable-top cartons are found in the refrigerated section of the supermarket, and are used for milk, cream, and juices. Aseptic cartons, also known as ‘shelf-stable’ cartons, can be found on the shelves of the supermarket and are also used for things like juice, soup, gravy, broth, and wine. Gable-top cartons consist of 80% paper and 20% plastic, whereas shelf-stable cartons are made with a mixture of different materials, with about 74% paper, 22% plastic, and 4% aluminum.

The good news is that both kinds of cartons can be recycled. Here is how:

1. Empty out your cartons first. This prevents bad odors from developing, which is not only better for you in your own home but also improves the working conditions for employees at recycling facilities.

2. Place the empty milk cartons in the recycling bin, along with cans, paper, plastic, and bottles. Don’t forget to separate accordingly!

3. Take them to the curb on pick up day or bring them to your local recycling center.

Tip: Don’t flatten the milk cartons! This makes the sorter’s job easier, as they can identify exactly what each item is. Also, as advised by the Carton Council, keep the cap on.

Don’t forget! It is important to check with your local recycling and waste facilities on their preferred guidelines for recycling milk cartons. Check the Carton Council for the regulations in your local area.

If carton recycling is not available in your local area, check here for further advice.

Why Recycling Milk Cartons is Important?

Recycled milk cartons can be used to make all sorts of paper products.
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / weinstock)

By recycling your milk cartons, you are giving them another life! Once the cartons have been sorted at the recycling centers, they are shipped off to be reused and repurposed.

The cartons are sent to paper mills, where they are broken down by a hyrdapulper (essentially a massive blender) into their separate components: paper, plastic, and aluminum. The paper is used to make office paper, paper towels, and tissues. The plastic and aluminum can be reused for making things like construction boards and ceiling tiles.

You can also make a difference by buying only certain types of milk cartons. Some companies are taking important steps in their production process to facilitate recycling. Some manufacturers have joined the Carton Council recycling project, to improve carton recycling across the US. Look out for Tetra Pak, Evergreen Packaging, SIG Combibloc, or Elopak next time you are in the supermarket.

Read on: Are Paper Towels Recyclable? What You Need to Know

How to Reuse and Repurpose Used Milk Cartons Yourself

Milk cartons are perfect arts and crafts material.
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / ThaneKeller)

Why should the recycling centers have all the fun? You too can reuse your old milk cartons and turn them into something creative and useful. Here are some ideas for you to try at home whether on your own, with your kids, or with friends:

Planters: Because cartons are already water-resistant, they make really good planters. Simply clean them out thoroughly, and cut them to whatever size and shape you like.
Food containers: Store your pantry essentials in hand-crafted, repurposed milk cartons. Wash with soap and leave to dry completely. You can recycle your old milk cartons by using them to store things like seeds, nuts, and rice. Because of their caps, they make pouring these foods out so much easier.
Stationary Holder: Spruce up your desk space with a stationary holder made with an old milk carton. You can use paint, paper, or stickers to make it look more decorative.
Toy Boats: Instead of buying plastic toys for your kids, do a fun arts and crafts project together by building toy boats out of your empty milk containers.
Bird-Feeder: Who doesn’t like watching different kinds of birds in their backyards? A recycled milk carton is the perfect shape for a DIY bird feeder.