Alexei Volkov
Plastic milk containers are widely recyclable in California, but consumer confusion and skepticism about plastics recycling have led to a low rate of recycling for these containers. To address this issue, the CMAB launched the Recycle the Jug public information campaign in October 2021 to increase consumer awareness of the recyclability of plastic milk jugs and encourage participation in recycling. The campaign aims to educate California dairy consumers about the simple steps to recycle their milk jugs: Pour it. Cap it. Bin it. Additionally, California's Beverage Container Recycling Program includes initiatives to promote the recycling of various containers, such as wine, liquor, pre-mixed cocktails, and fruit and vegetable juice bottles and cans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recycle plastic milk containers in California | High-density polyethylene milk jugs are widely recyclable and highly sought after by recyclers |
| Milk containers included in California's Beverage Container Recycling Program | No, milk jugs are not included in the California Redemption Value (CRV) program |
| Initiatives to promote milk jug recycling in California | CMAB's Recycle the Jug public information campaign launched in October 2021 to increase consumer awareness and participation in #2 plastic recycling |
| Curbside recycling programs for milk containers in California | At least 64% of households have access to curbside HDPE recycling |
| Deposit charged for milk containers in California | 10-cent deposit charged on "ready-to-drink" milk and plant-based beverages, which is refunded when empty containers are returned for recycling |
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What You'll Learn
California's Beverage Container Recycling Program
There are 1,332 recycling centres statewide that buy back empty California Refund Value (CRV) beverage containers. Most beverages sold in glass, plastic, or metal (other than milk, medical food, and infant formula) are subject to CRV. Consumers have several beverage container recycling options in California. They can redeem their containers for recycling at either a supermarket-based recycling centre or another privately-operated recycling centre. Or they can "donate" their containers and redemption payment to either a non-profit recycling program or to their curbside recycling program.
All supermarkets in California are required to have a recycling centre within a specified area around the store (called a "convenience zone"). If a recycling opportunity does not exist in this zone, then generally the supermarket, and all other retailers that sell beverage containers in that zone, must take back containers in-store. Supermarket-based recycling centres receive a premium payment, called a handling fee, to offset the additional costs these sites incur. However, most beverage container recycling in California does not occur at supermarket sites, nor does most recycling take place through curbside recycling as most people opt for private-sector recycling centres.
Daily load limits of empty CRV beverage containers are 100 pounds each for aluminium and plastic, and 1,000 pounds for glass. If the load includes containers not eligible for CRV, the recycling centre must either reject the load or pay only scrap value.
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Milk jugs are widely recyclable
To address this issue, the CMAB launched the Recycle the Jug public information campaign in October 2021. The campaign aims to increase consumer awareness of the recyclability of plastic milk jugs and encourage California dairy consumers to recycle their milk jugs. As part of the campaign, consumers are instructed to follow three simple steps: "Pour it. Cap it. Bin it."
The campaign is part of a broader industry initiative to promote sustainable behavior changes across the state. By increasing consumer awareness and participation in recycling, California dairy processors hope to boost access to recycled HDPE and create a more circular system for plastic milk packaging. Unlike some other plastic packaging types, HDPE jugs are extremely clean and can be used again for food-contact applications when recycled.
Additionally, California's Beverage Container Recycling Program includes various containers eligible for a refund, such as wine, liquor, pre-mixed cocktails, and fruit and vegetable juice bottles and cans. Milk and plant-based beverage containers are also exempt from the regulation and can be recycled in most home recycling programs, although they are not eligible for the refund.
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Containers must be rinsed
Plastic milk containers are in high demand from recyclers, but consumers are often confused or sceptical about plastics recycling. In California, at least 64% of households have access to curbside HDPE recycling, and milk jugs are widely recyclable. However, a 2021 study found that 47% of California consumers found milk jugs difficult to recycle, and 32% did not trust that the jugs would actually be recycled. To recycle your plastic milk containers, it is important to rinse them to avoid mould and odours. This is a simple but important step in the recycling process, and it is crucial to remember this when preparing your containers for recycling.
The CMAB's Recycle the Jug public information campaign, launched in October 2021, aims to increase consumer awareness of the recyclability of plastic milk jugs and encourage participation in #2 plastic recycling. The campaign provides clear and simple instructions for consumers: "Pour it. Cap it. Bin it." This tagline was carefully chosen to provide easy-to-follow guidance on how to properly prepare and recycle milk jugs. By following these steps, consumers can ensure they are doing their part in promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
While the campaign provides a general framework, there may still be some confusion or uncertainty regarding specific aspects of the recycling process, such as whether to leave the caps on or remove them. It is important to seek guidance from local recycling organizations or initiatives to ensure compliance with their specific guidelines. By rinsing and properly preparing plastic milk containers for recycling, individuals can contribute to environmental conservation and support the circular economy.
Rinsing containers is a crucial step in the recycling process, as it helps to prevent the growth of mould and the development of unpleasant odours. By taking the time to rinse their containers, individuals can ensure that the recycling process is more effective and efficient. This small action can have a significant impact on the overall success of recycling efforts and is an important part of being a responsible citizen. Whether recycling through a curbside program or a dedicated recycling centre, it is essential to prioritize proper container preparation to maximize the benefits of recycling initiatives.
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Curbside recycling
In California, consumers can recycle plastic milk containers through curbside recycling programs. According to The Recycling Partnership, at least 64% of households in the state have access to curbside High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) recycling. HDPE containers are widely recyclable and sought-after by recyclers due to their clean waste stream, which allows them to be used again for food-contact applications.
To increase consumer awareness and participation in recycling plastic milk containers, CMAB launched the Recycle the Jug public information campaign in October 2021. The campaign encourages consumers to take three simple steps: "Pour it. Cap it. Bin it." This tagline was carefully chosen to address the common debate around leaving caps on or removing them before recycling.
Additionally, California's Beverage Container Recycling Program includes various beverages and containers. Certified Recycling Centers must accept all California Redemption Value (CRV) containers, and consumers can redeem eligible containers for a refund. However, milk jugs are not included in the CRV system, which may contribute to consumer confusion about their recyclability.
To clarify, milk containers can be recycled through curbside programs or dropped off at depots that accept aseptic packaging, such as tetra packs. Consumers are advised to flatten containers while keeping the label readable and accessible and to rinse the containers to prevent mold and odors. These simple steps can help ensure that plastic milk containers are properly recycled and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Deposit and refund system
In British Columbia, a deposit-refund system has been in place for beverage containers for more than 18 years. As part of the Province's CleanBC Plastics Action Plan, a 10-cent deposit is charged on "ready-to-drink" milk and plant-based beverage containers since February 1, 2022. This deposit is refunded when the empty containers are returned for recycling at Return-It sites across the province. The Return-It system is managed by an industry-owned not-for-profit stewardship agency.
The deposit-refund system has been expanded to include milk and milk-substitute beverage containers to reduce waste. This shift will capture the millions of additional plastic and fibre-based containers that were otherwise being thrown out by those without access to the residential recycling system. Consumers can still recycle these containers through existing programs without claiming the refund. Containers that are not included in the program are those not meant primarily as "ready-to-drink", such as infant formula, meal replacement, coffee cream, whipping cream, and drinkable yogurt.
The deposit-refund system in British Columbia is similar to those in other jurisdictions. For example, Prince Edward Island's deposit-return system, launched in 2008, covers all ready-to-drink beverage containers up to 5L, except those used for dairy products, milk substitutes, or nutritional supplements. Similarly, Yukon's deposit-return program, introduced in 1992, covers all ready-to-drink beverage containers, excluding those containing milk and milk substitutes. In Hawaii, a refundable deposit of 5 cents is charged on all plastic, metal, bi-metal, and glass beverage containers 2L or less, except for milk and dairy products.
Deposit-refund systems have been effective in reducing waste and increasing recycling rates. In Newfoundland and Labrador, over 3.37 billion containers have been diverted from landfills through Green Depots since 1997. In Prince Edward Island, the deposit-return system achieved a non-refillable beverage container recycling rate of 80% in 2014-2015. These systems provide an incentive for consumers to return and recycle their containers, helping to keep waste out of landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic milk containers are recyclable in California.
No, milk jugs are not included in California's container deposit system or the California Redemption Value (CRV) program.
The CMAB's Recycle the Jug campaign encourages consumers to follow three simple steps: Pour it. Cap it. Bin it.
Milk containers are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
While there is no CRV for milk containers, California has implemented a 10-cent deposit on "ready-to-drink" milk and plant-based beverage containers, which is refunded when empty containers are returned for recycling at designated sites.
