D.Waste

Juice Boxes

Household ✅ Standard Recycling
A group of colorful small juice boxes with plastic straws

What Should I Do With It?

Juice boxes and shelf-stable liquid cartons are a staple of lunches and quick snacks. Known as 'aseptic packaging,' these containers are made from fused layers of paperboard, plastic, and aluminum foil to keep liquids sterilized without refrigeration. You will often see a recycling logo or the 'Tetra Pak' brand name on the bottom, which means they are technically recyclable. However, acceptance depends entirely on where you live. Because separating these fused layers requires specialized equipment, many standard curbside recycling programs cannot accept them, and they are not suitable for home composting. If your local program does accept cartons, just be sure to empty out any leftover liquid and throw the plastic straw and its wrapper into the regular garbage first.

💡 Helpful Tip

Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!

Check Local Rules

The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.

Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.