What Do Cartons and Toilet Paper Have in Common?
By
Holley Grainger |
Published:
Mar 8, 2021 | Latest updated:
Mar 8, 2021
Did you know that recycling food and beverage cartons like those used for broth, soup, milk, and orange juice, help to boost the production of toilet paper, paper towels and tissue? Use this carton recycling guide to learn more!
Thank you to Carton Council for sponsoring this post and for continuing to educate consumers
about the importance of recycling.
We all know that recycling is good for the planet. In fact, 35ish years ago, I was a founding member of the Pollution Patrol in Birmingham. (And, yes, I can still sing our theme song, “Reuse. Reduce Waste. Recycle.” by heart.) However, while recycling may not be a new concept, many people still don’t realize just how important it is – and now more than ever!
While many are accustomed to tossing cans, cereal boxes and plastic bottles into the recycle bin, I find that people often pause when it comes to cartons. They wonder, “Can food and beverage cartons be recycled?” The answer is a resounding YES! In fact, with every carton you recycle, you are contributing to a more sustainable future.
What Do Orange Juice and Toilet Paper Have in Common?
You see, when cartons like those used for broth, soup, juice, milk, and even wine are recycled, they provide valuable fiber that is used in the production of paper products like toilet paper, paper towels and tissue. (And, yes, if you’re having flashbacks to empty grocery store shelves just months ago depleted of TP and PT, I am too.) That’s why I’m sharing this important info with you so you can be a part of the solution. By recycling cartons, we can transform them into much needed paper products and save our natural resources.
When the world was depleted of toilet paper and everyone was on the hunt for more, if you could have traded an empty, recyclable carton of broth for a package of tp, would you have? Now, I’m not claiming that 1 carton = 1 package of tp but you get the idea. While that example may be a little dramatic, keep it top of mind next time you’re about to drop a carton into the garbage can. Recycling cartons plays an essential part in the production of our much loved paper products.
Image Credit: Carton Council
What is Considered a Carton
Now that you’re ready to begin (or continue) to #RecycleYourCartons, you may be wondering, what exactly is a carton? There are two types of cartons: shelf-stable and refrigerated.
- Shelf-stable cartons: products such as juice, milk, soy/plant-based milk, soup, broth, water and wine are found on the shelves of grocery stores
- Refrigerated cartons: products such as milk, juice, cream, and egg substitutes are found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores
What’s not a carton? While many of these containers may be recyclable, cereal boxes, takeout containers, ice cream containers, and egg containers are not considered cartons.
Three Steps to Easy Carton Recycling
The great news is that recycling cartons is easy and takes little effort on your part. Recycling guidelines vary from place to place, so start by confirming that your community recycles cartons using this zip code locator. Now that you’ve confirmed, here’s how to recycle cartons and a peek at what happens to them once recycled…
- Empty the carton.
- You don’t need to rinse – simply dump out extra liquid.
- No need to crush the carton.
- Put the cap back onto the carton or push the straw inside – both are recyclable.
- Toss the carton into the recycle bin.
- Take the recycle bin to the curb.
Help the Planet When You Cook at Home
If you look in your pantry and fridge, it is likely that they hold a variety of food and beverages cartons. Because of social distancing, people are spending more time and cooking more meals at home. Therefore, it is likely that more food containers are coming into the home in the form of recyclable cartons. By recycling these cartons after you cook, you can cut down on household waste and prevent dumping into landfills.
Is Carton Recycling Available Where I Live?
In most cities, recycling is still considered an essential service. Therefore, continue to recycle as usual unless you are told otherwise. If recycling services are suspended in your area, you can still mail in your recycled cartons to the addresses listed here.
To find out more about carton recycling, visit the Carton Council website. Be sure to check out these other carton recycling resources on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and don’t forget to #RecycleYourCartons.
