Paper & Card
Milk cartons
cartons, juice cartons, drink cartons, Tetra Pak, beverage cartons
Can you recycle?
Sometimes
Sometimes — cartons are recyclable in many areas. Empty and rinse them; where curbside won't take them, use a carton bank.
How to prepare
1. Empty the carton and give it a quick rinse. 2. Push the plastic cap back on or recycle it with plastics, as your program asks. 3. Flatten the carton to save space. 4. Place it in your curbside recycling or take it to a carton collection point.
Common mistakes
Leaving liquid inside, which sours and contaminates recycling. Assuming all areas take cartons — some need a separate carton bank. Including foil-lined pouches, which aren't the same as cartons.
What happens after you recycle it?
Recycled cartons are pulped to recover their paper fibers for new card and paper, while the plastic and foil layers are reused in other products.
Drop-off guidance
Many curbside programs now take drink cartons; where they don't, carton banks at supermarkets and recycling centers accept them. Cartons are made of layered paper, plastic, and sometimes foil that's separated at specialist plants.
FAQs
Can I recycle milk cartons?
In many areas, yes. Empty and rinse them, then use your curbside bin or a carton bank if your program doesn't collect them.
Where can I recycle milk cartons near me?
Use the lookup above to check curbside collection or find a carton bank near you.
Is it free to recycle milk cartons?
Yes. Curbside recycling and carton banks are free to use.
Can I get paid to recycle milk cartons?
No. There's no payment for cartons, but recycling them is free where collection is available.
