Are Cartons Recyclable?

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As one of the most sustainable packaging choices, cartons are recyclable and recycling infrastructure continues to grow across the country.

“but we want to make sure that the people who do have access know that they can recycle these materials and how to do that properly. With our relationship, they can read about, find and utilize their local recycling opportunities easier than before.”

To increase awareness about carton recycling, the Carton Council, a group of packaging companies seeking to reduce the environmental impact of cartons by expanding recycling programs across the country, and Earth911, Inc., host of the nation’s largest and most accurate recycling directory, are teaming up to help people recycle more.

A new section on Earth911.com was built to specifically address the ins and outs of carton recycling, and Earth911 and the Carton Council will work on stories throughout the year containing facts, tips and ideas to help people improve their knowledge about carton recycling.

“As carton recycling opportunities have become more prevalent throughout the U.S., we saw the need to establish reliable information on how consumers can participate in this growing stream,” said Raquel Fagan, vice president of media for Earth911. “We are excited to launch this new resource with a group that is so dedicated to ensuring this packaging does not go to waste.”

Currently, 36 percent of U.S. households have access to curbside carton recycling - up from 18 percent only two years ago according to the Carton Council. Drop-off and mail-in programs are also available, expanding access. The average person uses 17 drink boxes per year, which means there is a significant opportunity to reclaim these materials for secondary use.

“Not only is the Carton Council working to establish wider access to carton recycling,” said Ed Klein, Executive Director, “but we want to make sure that the people who do have access know that they can recycle these materials and how to do that properly. With our relationship, they can read about, find and utilize their local recycling opportunities easier than before.”

Beyond recyclability, cartons offer additional environmental benefits. Cartons are made mainly from a renewable resource that is responsibly replenished. Cartons are also light-weight and compact, resulting in a low carbon footprint.

About Carton Council

The Carton Council is a group of carton manufacturers united to deliver long-term collaborative solutions in order to divert valuable cartons from the landfill. Cartons have some of the lowest environmental impacts within the packaging industry, and the Carton Council seeks to reduce the impact further by expanding recycling programs across the country and further improving the environmental performance of cartons. The members of the Carton Council are Elopak, Evergreen Packaging, SIG/SIG Combibloc and Tetra Pak. They are working with local government officials, recycling facilities, paper mills and communities across the United States to build a robust system to recycle liquid food and beverage carton packages. This includes milk and juice cartons found in the refrigerated case or cartons merchandised on nonrefrigerated shelves, containing products such as juice, soy, broth, soup, wine and meal replacement beverages. As of November 2011, the Carton Council's Carton Recycling Access Campaign has helped increase consumer access to nearly 42 million households nationwide (more than 1 in 3 American households).

About Earth911

Earth911 gathers, distributes and analyzes localized recycling information to assist manufacturers, organizations and consumers with product end-of-life solutions. Since 1991, Earth911’s services have enhanced companies’ responsible waste initiatives and worked to increase consumer recycling. Through the Earth911 Recycling Directory, Earth911 hosts the largest and most accurate compilation of recycling information in the nation, boasting more than 1 million ways to recycle. Follow @Earth911 on Twitter and Like Earth911 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/earth911.