AUSTIN, TX- City of Austin curbside customers can now recycle food and beverage cartons and coated paper products in their blue recycling carts. 

Cartons, also known as aseptic or gable top containers, are often used to package items like milk, juice, protein drinks, soup and creamers. Coated paper products include cups used for hot coffee and other beverages, paper plates and takeout food containers. 

“We’re excited to offer carton and paper cup recycling to all our customers,” said Richard McHale, Director of Austin Resource Recovery. “Our goal is to reach zero waste by 2040, and adding these materials helps us take a step closer to that goal. Recycling these items is simple. Make sure to empty the carton or cup, leave the cap on, and place it in your blue cart. There is no need to flatten or crush it.”  

Recycling cartons and paper cups will help reduce the amount of waste Austinites send to landfills. These coated materials have traditionally been difficult to recycle and require special equipment at recycling facilities. The paper products are coated with a layer of material, which makes them resistant to moisture and more durable. This coating can be made from various materials, including plastics like polyethylene or wax.  

Recycling cartons and paper cups also saves our natural resources, supports a circular economy, and reduces Austin’s environmental footprint. Recycled paper products can be turned into paper towels, tissues, office paper, roof tiles and other sustainable materials. Paper made from recycled fibers creates 35% less water pollution and 74% less air pollution than paper made from raw wood pulp. 

Residential curbside customers can learn more about what material is recyclable in their blue carts at austintexas.gov/recycling. 

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About Austin Resource Recovery   
Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is a department of the City of Austin. We provide essential services that protect people and our planet. We collect recycling, composting, trash, large brush, bulk items, household hazardous waste and dead animals. We also sweep the streets, offer Austin and Travis County residents a service to recycle and safely dispose of household hazardous waste and provide community outreach and education. ARR is driving the global transformation of traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery. Learn more at austinrecycles.com.