Recycling cartons and coated paper products

By Michael Taylor

Exciting news! Austinites can now recycle food and beverage cartons and coated paper products in their recycling at home and at work. 

Cartons, also known as aseptic and gable top containers, package items like milk, juice, protein drinks, ice cream, soups and creamers. Other coated paper products include cups for hot coffee and other beverages, paper plates and takeout food containers. 

Recycling these materials is easy. Remove the carton or cup, rinse any excess residue (no need to scrub), put the cap back on and place them in your blue cart. You do not have to crush or flatten them.  

Recycling cartons and coated paper cups reduces the waste Austinites send to landfills. These paper fibers can be turned into paper towels, tissues, office paper, roof tiles and other sustainable materials. Recycling these fibers produces 35% less water pollution and 74% less air pollution than paper from raw wood pulp, reducing Austin’s carbon footprint. 

Residential curbside customers can learn more about what material is recyclable in their blue carts at austintexas.gov/recycling. Apartment and other multifamily residents can visit austintexas.gov/zwapartments.