Pizza Boxes
What Should I Do With It?
Pizza boxes are a major source of residential cardboard, but they require proper handling before disposal. While most curbside recycling programs readily accept clean cardboard, the heavy grease and food remnants that coat the bottom interior of these boxes will contaminate the recycling stream. To recycle correctly, separate the soiled sections and place them in the trash or compost. Always completely flatten the remaining clean cardboard, and never leave boxes closed with the lids intact, as collection teams must be able to verify that items like leftover slices, wax paper, or plastic sauce packets aren't trapped inside.
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!
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.