When the contents are gone, let the carton live on!

The Carton has a simple, classic design that has been part of daily life for generations. What makes these cartons such a smart choice today? Cartons are light-weight, recyclable and made mainly from paper, a renewable resource. Classic yet current – cartons help meet our present needs without compromising tomorrow’s resources.

Cartons are a type of packaging for food and beverage products you can purchase at the store. They are easy to recognize and are available in two types—shelf-stable and refrigerated.

Cartons are mainly made from paper in the form of paperboard, as well as thin layers of polyethylene (plastic). The shelf stable ones have also a thin layer of aluminum. Shelf-stable cartons contain on average 74% paper, 22% polyethylene and 4% aluminum. Refrigerated cartons contain about 80% paper and 20% polyethylene.

Products in Shelf-stable Cartons

• Juice
• Milk
• Soy and grain milk
• Soup and broth
• Wine

Products in Refrigerated Cartons

• Juice
• Milk
• Cream
• Egg substitutes
• Soup and broth

In Torrance, Cartons are recyclable through our Curbside Recycling program. Shelf-stable and refrigerated cartons are accepted! When you recycle cartons you are doing more than keep them out of landfills. You are contributing to a new product, conserving energy and protecting the environment.

Cartons when recycled become toilet paper, napkins, tissue paper, and even building materials. When the contents are gone, let the carton live on! Take the quiz to find out if your lifestyle is as green as can be or if there is room for improvement.

Click the video to learn more about what Cartons become when recycled.