Maya Ellison
Milk cartons are recyclable, but there are still many places where carton recycling isn't possible, and they may end up in landfills. Gable-top cartons, found in the refrigerated section, are made of 80% paper and 20% plastic, with a plastic layer on the outside and inside. Aseptic cartons, or shelf-stable cartons, are made of 74% paper, 22% plastic, and 4% aluminium. They are often mistaken for wax-coated, but this hasn't been the case for many years. After being recycled, the cartons are sent to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and sorted, baled, and sent to paper mills and recycling plants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Yes, plastic-coated milk cartons are recyclable |
| Recycling process | Cartons are sorted, sanitized, and sterilized before being recycled into building materials like construction board |
| Curbside recycling | Accepted in most curbside recycling programs |
| Drop-off programs | Available in communities without curbside recycling |
| Preparation | Empty and gently rinse the carton before placing it in the recycling bin |
| Caps and straws | Keep the cap on and push any straws into the carton |
| Wax coating | Cartons are not wax-coated and can be recycled |
| Carton types | Gable top (refrigerated) and aseptic (shelf-stable) cartons are recyclable |
| Carton composition | Gable top: 80% paper and 20% plastic; Aseptic: 74% paper, 22% plastic, and 4% aluminum |
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What You'll Learn
Gable top and aseptic cartons
Aseptic cartons, on the other hand, are shelf-stable cartons that do not need to be refrigerated. They are made of about 74% paper, 22% plastic, and 4% aluminum. These cartons are used to package a variety of liquid products, including milk, juice, soup, broth, wine, and alternative milks like oat and soy. Aseptic cartons are also recyclable and can be processed in a similar manner to gable top cartons. The whole carton can be turned into building materials like construction board, or the paper can be separated from the plastic and aluminum for reuse.
It is important to note that while gable top and aseptic cartons are technically recyclable, not every recycling service will accept them. Before placing these cartons in your recycling bin, it is essential to check with your local recycler to ensure they are properly disposed of. Some areas encourage leaving the cap on and pushing any straws inside, while others may not accept these items in the recycling.
Overall, gable top and aseptic cartons are recyclable and can contribute to sustainable practices when properly processed. However, clear messaging and proper education about carton recycling are crucial to ensuring that these cartons are recycled effectively and do not end up in landfills.
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Plastic, paper, and aluminium separation
Gable-top milk cartons, found in the refrigerated section of supermarkets, are made of 80% paper and 20% plastic (with a plastic layer on the outside and inside). Aseptic cartons, or shelf-stable cartons, are made of 74% paper, 22% plastic, and 4% aluminium. Both types of cartons can be recycled.
The separation of paper, plastic, and aluminium is a complex process that can be done in several ways. One method is to use hydraulic pulping, where the cartons are put into a giant blender, and the paper is separated from the plastic and aluminium. The paper pulp is then sent to a paper mill to make paper products like paper towels, tissue, and cardboard. The plastic and aluminium are more challenging to separate and are often granulated to produce aluminium-plastic panels or used to make other products like flower pots or blow-off pipes.
Another method is plasma technology, which utilises a mixture of electric energy to heat the plastic and aluminium to 1500°C, converting the plastic into paraffin and recovering the aluminium. This method minimises pollutant discharge but is costly and difficult to promote.
Additionally, electrostatic separation has been used commercially for 50 years to separate metal/non-metal mixtures. It involves electrically charging the particles and using an externally generated electric field to separate them.
In some cases, the whole carton is recycled together into building materials like construction board, and the layers of paper, plastic, and aluminium are not separated.
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Curbside recycling programs
Plastic-coated milk cartons can be recycled, but the process is not as simple as recycling a single material. The first step in recycling plastic-coated milk cartons is to separate the paper, plastic, and any aluminium. This separation process requires specialized machinery that can efficiently break down the laminated layers. If the materials are not effectively separated, it can lead to contamination of the recycled paper and plastic streams, reducing their value for reuse.
The availability of curbside recycling programs for plastic-coated milk cartons varies by location. While some areas offer curbside recycling for these cartons, others do not. It is important to check with your local waste management provider to find out if milk cartons are accepted in your area's curbside recycling program and what specific requirements there are for preparing them for recycling.
If your community does accept milk cartons in its curbside recycling program, there are a few general steps you should follow. First, make sure the carton is completely empty and rinsed out to prevent odors and contamination. Some programs may require you to flatten the carton to reduce volume, while others ask that you do not crush the container. This is because crushing or flattening can slow down the recycling process in some places. Generally, plastic caps and straws should not be included with the milk carton unless specifically instructed by your local recycling program. If caps are included, they should be screwed back on to prevent them from becoming separated and turning into litter.
In areas where curbside recycling of milk cartons is not available, there may be alternative options for responsible disposal. Some communities have drop-off days when they collect these containers and mail them in bulk. Additionally, organizations like the Carton Council provide instructions and addresses for individuals to mail their cartons for recycling.
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Carton recycling process
Plastic-coated milk cartons are recyclable, but the process is challenging due to the need to separate the paper fibre from the plastic and aluminium coatings. This separation requires specialised machinery capable of efficiently breaking down the laminated layers.
The first step in the recycling process is typically pulping, where the cartons are fed into large machines called pulpers. Pulpers use water and mechanical agitation to break down the cartons and separate the paper fibres from the plastic and aluminium. This process essentially reverses the manufacturing process, breaking down the laminated materials into their constituent parts.
After pulping, the slurry undergoes screening and separation using techniques such as gravity, size differences, and specific gravity to isolate the different components completely. This step ensures that the paper, plastic, and aluminium are successfully separated.
Once separated, the recovered paper pulp is processed to create new paper products, such as cardboard, paper towels, tissue, printing paper, or even new cartons. The plastic component, often referred to as "poly-al" (polyethylene and sometimes aluminium), can also be recycled and used in manufacturing construction materials or other plastic goods. However, if reusing "poly-al" is challenging due to cost or technology constraints, it can be used as fuel for energy recovery.
It is important to note that not all communities have the necessary infrastructure for carton recycling. Before placing milk cartons in the recycling bin, individuals should ensure they are completely empty, rinsed out, and dried to prevent odours and contamination. Some communities require cartons to be flattened, while others do not, so checking local guidelines is essential. Plastic caps and straws should generally not be included with the cartons unless specifically instructed by the local recycling program, as these small pieces can be challenging to process and may contaminate the recycling stream.
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Cartons as building materials
Plastic-coated milk cartons are widely recyclable, but the process can vary depending on the region and the recycling infrastructure in place. Some facilities may have the capability to separate the plastic and paper components, while others might not. It is important to check with local recycling guidelines to understand the specific practices in your area. That being said, let's discuss the potential for using cartons as building materials:
Cartons, including milk cartons, have been explored as a potential alternative building material, particularly for low-cost and sustainable construction. The main advantage of using cartons is that they are lightweight, readily available, and can provide good insulation. Here are some ways cartons can be utilized in construction:
Wall insulation and partitioning: Cartons can be used as insulation material within walls. They can be cut and placed between the studs of a wooden frame to provide a layer of insulation. This method is particularly useful in regions with moderate climates, where additional insulation can help regulate indoor temperatures. Cartons can also be used to create temporary partitions within a space. By filling the cartons with insulating material, such as recycled paper or fabric, and stacking them, you can create lightweight, movable walls.
Roof insulation: The cartons can be laid flat and layered between the roof trusses or rafters to provide a barrier that reduces heat transfer. This application is especially beneficial in attics or loft spaces, helping to maintain a more comfortable temperature in the living areas below.
Flooring: Cartons can be utilized as a base layer for flooring. By arranging them in a grid pattern and securing them to the subfloor, you can create a slightly raised platform. This technique can add a small amount of insulation and provide a flat, even surface for the final flooring material to be laid upon.
Soundproofing: The cartons' cellular structure helps to absorb and reduce the transmission of sound. By lining walls or ceilings with cartons, you can create a barrier that minimizes sound travel between rooms or from the exterior to the interior of a building. This application is particularly useful in recording studios, practice rooms, or spaces where privacy and reduced noise are desired.
To effectively use cartons as building materials, it is important to ensure they are clean, dry, and free from contaminants. Depending on the specific building codes and regulations in your region, there may be requirements for treating the cartons with fire-retardant chemicals or encapsulating them within other materials to meet safety standards. It is always advisable to consult with a professional or local building authority to ensure that your construction methods comply with all necessary regulations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic-coated milk cartons are recyclable.
Gable-top cartons, found in the refrigerated section, are made of 80% paper and 20% plastic, with a plastic layer on the outside and inside. Aseptic containers, which don't need to be kept cold, are made of 74% paper, 22% plastic, and 4% aluminium.
Rinse out the carton and put it in your recycling bin. If there is a cap, screw it back on. If there is a straw, tuck it inside. Do not flatten the carton.
The cartons are sorted, baled, and sent to recycling plants and paper mills. The paper is separated from the plastic and aluminium. The paper pulp is used to make products like paper towels, tissue, and cardboard. The plastic and aluminium are used to make products like ceiling tiles and wallboard.
Check with your local recycler. Many places have curbside recycling programs, but if your community does not, you may be able to mail the cartons or take them to a drop-off location.
