In 2020, the Recycling Partnership and WestRock collaborated on a groundbreaking study that proved used pizza boxes could be recycled, even if they were greasy and contaminated with cheese. This study paved the way for significant improvements in recycling programs across the country.
The study revealed that the grease content in a typical pizza box is only 1% to 2% by weight, well below the acceptable level for cardboard recycling. Even boxes with up to 8% grease content and varying levels of contamination between 3% and 40% were found to be recyclable without compromising the quality of the recycled materials. The tensile strength required for packaging was still well within acceptable limits.
Since the release of the study, there has been a noticeable increase in the acceptance of pizza boxes for recycling. The American Forest & Paper Association reported that 82% of Americans now have access to recycling programs that accept pizza boxes, up from 73% in 2020. Additionally, AF&PA member mills representing 94% of old corrugated container consumption now accept pizza boxes without any negative impacts on their operations or product quality.
With approximately 3 billion pizza boxes used in the U.S. each year, the improved recycling processes have the potential to capture around 600,000 tons of cardboard annually for the production of new boxes, paper towels, toilet paper, and other paper products.
For most Americans, recycling pizza boxes is as simple as removing any leftover food, flattening the box, and placing it in the recycling bin. Even light grease stains are acceptable, as they do not interfere with the recycling process. However, if your recycling program does not accept pizza boxes, composting can be a great alternative to keep cardboard out of landfills.
Cheese contamination in pizza boxes was also addressed in the study, with researchers finding that cheese tends to solidify and get screened out during the recycling process. Paper mills have become adept at removing cheese chunks, ensuring that the resulting paper fiber is still viable for reuse.
Composting programs in various cities now accept pizza boxes, providing another environmentally friendly option for disposal. Cities like New York City, California, Portland, Oregon, and King County, Washington have incorporated pizza boxes into their composting programs.
If your local recycling program does not accept pizza boxes, you can advocate for change by sharing the Recycling Partnership’s toolkit and AF&PA research with your local recycling coordinator. Citizen requests have proven to be influential in updating recycling guidelines.
Overall, the progress made since 2020 demonstrates the impact of advocacy and research in improving recycling practices. By recycling or composting your pizza boxes, you contribute to the circular economy and help keep valuable fiber in circulation for future use. The sun was setting over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape. The last rays of light danced across the sky, painting a stunning picture of reds, oranges, and pinks. As the day came to a close, the world seemed to slow down, basking in the peaceful beauty of the evening.
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In the stillness of the evening, a sense of wonder and awe filled the air. The beauty of nature was on full display, reminding us of the magic and majesty that surrounds us every day. It was a moment to pause, to appreciate the simple joys of life, and to be grateful for the beauty that exists in the world.
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And so, as the night stretched out before us, we were filled with a sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures of life. The beauty of a sunset, the songs of birds, the gentle rustling of leaves – these were the things that reminded us of the wonder and magic of the world around us. And as we gazed up at the stars, we were reminded that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to guide us home.
