The process of recycling paper and plastic materials is well-known to many, but what about cartons? Carton recycling infrastructure has seen significant growth in recent years, yet many mixed plastic and paper cartons still go unrecycled.
The Recycling Partnership’s 2024 State of Recycling report reveals that only 21% of residential recyclables are captured in the United States, highlighting a need for improvement in packaging material recycling. Despite this challenge, access to carton recycling has expanded considerably. Currently, 61% of U.S. households can recycle food and beverage cartons through local programs, a significant increase from just 37% in 2011. In California, 72% of households have access to aseptic carton recycling, and 74% have access to gable-top carton recycling, showcasing infrastructure enhancements in the state.
While the United States has made progress in carton recycling, there are still challenges to overcome. The current carton recycling rate stands at approximately 20%, a significant increase from 6% in 2009 when the Carton Council was established.
Cartons are a type of packaging for food and beverage products and come in two forms – shelf-stable (aseptic) and refrigerated (gable-top). Shelf-stable cartons are used for products like juice, milk, soup, and wine stored at room temperature, while refrigerated cartons contain items like milk, juice, and cream. Cartons have a high product-to-packaging ratio, with an average of 94% product and 6% packaging, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during transportation.
Cartons are composed of paper, plastic, and aluminum layers. Shelf-stable cartons typically consist of 70% paper, 25% plastic, and 5% aluminum, while refrigerated cartons omit the aluminum and use an 80% paper and 20% plastic combination. It’s essential to note that ice cream and take-out cartons are not included in the recyclable carton category.
When shopping for cartons, look for manufacturers that participate in the Carton Council recycling initiative, such as Tetra Pak, Elopak, SIG Combibloc, and Pactiv Evergreen. Recycling cartons helps reduce waste in landfills and conserves energy by choosing products containing recycled materials. The materials in cartons are highly desirable for remanufacturing into new products, with all components being reusable.
Carton manufacturers are dedicated to increasing access to carton recycling and ensuring materials are reused. There is a growing demand for recycled fiber in the industry, with U.S. mills consuming 32.7 million tons of recycled paper in 2024.
It’s a common misconception that cartons are not recyclable, lack recycling symbols, and are wax-coated. However, cartons are recyclable, with over 77 million U.S. households having access to carton recycling in 2025. While many cartons may not feature recycling symbols, progress is being made to increase visibility. Additionally, modern cartons do not contain wax, primarily consisting of paper with additional plastic layers in gable-top cartons.
In conclusion, carton recycling is essential for reducing waste and conserving resources. By choosing cartons from responsible manufacturers and participating in recycling programs, individuals can contribute to a more sustainable future. Fortunately, there are mail-in and drop-off options for those who want to recycle their cartons but don’t have access to curbside collection. Many recycling facilities and organizations offer mail-in programs where you can send your cartons to be recycled. Additionally, some stores or community centers have drop-off locations where you can bring your cartons for recycling.
By taking advantage of these alternative recycling methods, you can ensure that your cartons are properly recycled and contribute to the sustainability of our environment. With the growing infrastructure for carton recycling and the various programs and initiatives in place, recycling cartons has never been easier or more impactful.
Residents who do not have access to curbside carton recycling have several options to ensure their cartons are properly recycled. One option is to check for local drop-off locations using the Carton Council’s locator tool or the Earth911 Recycling Search. These tools can help residents find nearby facilities that accept cartons for recycling.
Another option is to contact the local Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) directly to inquire if they accept cartons. Some MRFs may accept cartons even if they are not part of the curbside recycling program, especially if they serve specific haulers like Republic Services or Rumpke Waste & Recycling.
Residents can also advocate for carton recycling in their community by reaching out to their local waste management provider or municipality to request that cartons be added to the list of accepted materials. By raising awareness and expressing the demand for carton recycling, residents can help drive change in their community.
When it comes to recycling cartons, there are a few key guidelines to keep in mind. It is important to check with the local recycling or waste-disposal service for specific guidelines in the community, as curbside pickup may not be available everywhere. Removing lids, straws, or extras that come with packaging is essential, as these items should be disposed of in the garbage.
Only empty cartons should be recycled, and while rinsing before recycling is not required, it can help ensure that the container is empty and reduce potential odor or pest issues in the recyclables. It is not necessary to flatten cartons before recycling, as MRF sorting equipment is programmed to recognize a carton’s three-dimensional shape.
When in doubt, it is best to keep questionable materials out of the recycling stream to avoid contaminating the local recycling process. Following these guidelines can help ensure that cartons are properly recycled and contribute to the overall effort to improve recycling infrastructure and reduce waste.
The EPA estimates that expanding recycling access and infrastructure could result in recycling an additional 38 million to 45 million tons of packaging material annually. With new facilities opening, expanding paper mill acceptance, growing municipal programs, and new end markets for recycled carton material developing, progress is being made toward making carton recycling as common as recycling paper and cardboard.
In conclusion, residents without curbside carton recycling have options to ensure their cartons are recycled properly. By utilizing drop-off locations, contacting local MRFs, advocating for carton recycling, and following recycling guidelines, residents can play a role in promoting sustainable waste management practices in their community. The Evolution of Technology: From the Wheel to Artificial Intelligence
Technology has come a long way since the invention of the wheel thousands of years ago. From simple tools and basic machines to the sophisticated artificial intelligence systems of today, the evolution of technology has been nothing short of remarkable.
The wheel, believed to have been invented around 3500 BC, is often considered one of the greatest inventions in human history. It revolutionized transportation and made it easier for people to travel long distances. Over time, other inventions such as the sail, the steam engine, and the internal combustion engine further advanced transportation technology, making it faster and more efficient.
The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries marked a major turning point in the history of technology. It ushered in an era of mass production and mechanization, leading to the development of factories and the rise of the modern manufacturing industry. The invention of the telephone, the telegraph, and the radio further transformed communication technology, making it easier for people to connect with one another over long distances.
The 20th century saw rapid advancements in technology, with the invention of the computer marking a major milestone in human history. The development of the Internet further revolutionized communication and information technology, making it possible for people to access vast amounts of information with just a few clicks. The rise of smartphones and social media platforms in the 21st century has further transformed the way we communicate and interact with one another.
Today, technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics are revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation. Self-driving cars, drones, and virtual reality are just a few examples of how technology is changing the way we live and work.
As we look to the future, it is clear that technology will continue to play a central role in shaping our world. From the invention of the wheel to the development of artificial intelligence, the evolution of technology has been a testament to human ingenuity and innovation. It is exciting to think about what the future holds and how technology will continue to transform our lives in ways we can only imagine.
