What Are You Doing With the Empty Orange Juice Carton?

Orange juice cartons, milk cartons, kid’s juice boxes and similar packages are all recyclable. Most people still toss them in the garbage. Although they aren’t taken in all curbside programs, they are taken in many Will County communities and at all Will County Traditional Drop-Off sites, such as the one at New Lenox Township.

These broth and beverage containers are made from high grade paper with some layers of plastic. The convenient drink boxes also contain an aluminum liner.  All these materials are recoverable.

There is a group of manufacturers that created the Carton Council to promote recycling of these packages across the country. So far, recycling is available to over 30 million homes in 28 states but has a long way to go.

The paper, which is 74 to 80 percent of the container, is made into a wide array of products from tissues to office paper.  Simply discard the straw and toss into a recycling program that accepts them. No rinsing necessary!

The Will County-New Lenox Township Drop-Off is located at 1100 S. Cedar Road and open from Monday through Friday 8am to 3:30pm and the fourth Saturday of the month from 9am to noon.  It also accepts aluminum foil and trays, six-pack rings and empty aerosol cans.

For more information on recycling or a listing of all the Traditional Recycling Drop-Offs, visit http://www.willcountygreen.com/greenguide/recycle_drop_offs.aspx

For more information on carton recycling, visit www.recyclecartons.com