Recycling Milk and Juice Cartons
Follow these guidelines for determining what to recycle and what to put in your regular trash.
Preparation
Empty and rinse containers. remove lids. Place loose in the recycling bin and do not mix with papers and cardboards.
What to recycle
Gable Top Cartons - These cartons are made from a layer of cardboard (called paperboard) sandwiched between two layers of very thin plastic. Although the contents of these cartons are pasteurised before packaging, the cartons still need to be refrigerated.
Aseptic Bricks (UHT) - a newer type of carton made from five layers: three of plastic, one of foil and one of cardboard. The products in the cartons are sterilised before being packaged and, because the cartons fully seal the contents, they do not need to be refrigerated before opening.
What not to recycle
Straws, waxed paper, drink pouches, take-home food containers.
Quick Facts
- Many people think you can't recycle milk cartons because of their thin plastic lining, but this is easily removed during the recycling process.
- A single 1 quart milk carton can be turned into five sheets of high quality office paper - this makes cartons a valuable recycling commodity.
