Can you recycle egg cartons?

It depends on the material. Paper / molded-pulp egg cartons (the gray fibrous kind) are recyclable in the blue cart — or even better, compostable. Foam cartons (Styrofoam #6) are not recyclable and go in the trash. Clear plastic #1 (PET) cartons are recyclable where your program takes rigid #1.

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Paper / pulp cartons

The classic gray molded-pulp carton goes in the blue recycling cart. Because the fiber is short, it's actually an even better fit for the green organics/compost cart, or torn up for a home compost or garden — it breaks down fast.

Foam cartons

Polystyrene foam (#6) egg cartons are not accepted curbside — they contaminate the stream and the sorters can't catch them. They go in the black trash cart.

Clear plastic cartons

Clear #1 PET cartons are recyclable if your program accepts rigid #1 containers — check the number in the triangle. If it's unmarked or a different number, put it in the trash.

Reuse first

Egg cartons are handy for seed-starting, craft projects, small-parts organizing, or handing back to a farmer's-market egg seller — reuse beats recycling.

Egg Cartons — quick FAQ

Are egg cartons recyclable?

Paper/molded-pulp egg cartons are recyclable in the blue cart (and compostable). Foam cartons are not — they go in the trash. Clear #1 plastic cartons are recyclable where rigid #1 is accepted.

Can you compost egg cartons?

Yes — paper/pulp egg cartons compost well. Tear them up and add them to the green organics cart or a home compost pile.

Are Styrofoam egg cartons recyclable?

No — foam (#6) egg cartons aren't accepted in curbside recycling. Put them in the black trash cart.

What about the plastic egg cartons?

Clear #1 PET cartons can be recycled where your program takes rigid #1 containers; check the resin code. If unmarked, treat it as trash.

Related

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