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Frozen juice concentrated containers are a handy staple for a lot of households, however typically pose a recycling problem due as a result of they usually include a mixture of paper, plastic, and metallic. However, with a bit of information and energy, you possibly can make sure that these containers are disposed of responsibly.
Invented by Minute Maid throughout World War II, frozen juice packaging is much less prevalent and is slowly disappearing from grocery stores in favor of bottled juice, which comes with a raft of latest plastic waste. Juice cartons, particularly, are displacing the standard frozen juice container. However, the frozen juice container most likely has a decade or extra of helpful life and can stay a recycling problem till they’re completely retired. Here’s an in depth information on the best way to recycle frozen juice containers and data on juice firms that provide recycling providers or data.
The first, greatest use for a juice container is reuse. They can be utilized for sprouting seeds for transplanting to your backyard, for instance. Juice maker Old Orchard provides a number of reuse concepts: DIY decorations, indoor planters for succulents, and a silverware caddy, amongst others.
Understand the Materials
Frozen juice containers are typically made up of three supplies:
- Paperboard: This types the primary construction of the container.
- Plastic: The paperboard is coated with a skinny layer of plastic (polyethylene, or #1) is used to stop leakage, and the tear-away seal that holds the metallic lid in place. Some new container designs use plastic for the physique of the container, eliminating the paperboard.
- Metal: The prime and backside lid of a container is often product of ferrous metallic, corresponding to metal.
Each of those supplies requires totally different dealing with, making the recycling course of extra complicated than single-material objects. You might want to separate the metallic lid and plastic, clear them, and place them within the acceptable waste stream:
- Paperboard: This composite materials product of paperboard and a plastic coating just isn’t extensively accepted by recycling applications — add your ZIP Code to this Earth911 Recycling Locator search to see if in case you have an area possibility. If not, Terracycle offers a paid recycling box for coated paperboard containers.
- Plastic: The tear-away seal is probably going recyclable in lots of communities (check Earth911). If the physique of your container is product of plastic, it may be recycled in your curbside bin.
- Metal: The prime and backside lids will be positioned in a curbside bin. Be positive to clean and dry the lids earlier than recycling.
Steps to Recycle Frozen Juice Containers
- Check Local Recycling Guidelines: The first step is to test along with your native recycling program to see in the event that they settle for coated paperboard, #1 plastic, and metallic; or go to Earth911. Some services are geared up to deal with composite supplies, whereas others usually are not.
- Separate Components if Possible: If your native facility requires it, separate the paperboard from the plastic seal and metallic lining. This will help streamline the recycling course of.
- Rinse the Container: Make positive the container is clear earlier than recycling. Rinse out any remaining juice to stop contamination.
- Drop Off at a Specialized Facility: If curbside recycling just isn’t an possibility, find a specialized recycling facility that accepts composite supplies.
Unfortunately, aside from Old Orchard’s upcycling concepts, juice firms present no particular recycling data or take-back applications to facilitate the recycling of their frozen juice focus packaging.
The Importance of Recycling Frozen Juice Containers
Reusing or recycling frozen juice containers helps scale back landfill waste that contributes to methane emissions. The blended supplies take a bit of additional effort to disassemble for recycling, however you’ll contribute to a more healthy planet and a extra sustainable future.
For extra detailed recycling suggestions and to search out native recycling services, go to Earth911’s Recycling Locator. Let’s work collectively to doc the best way to make recycling part of our on a regular basis routines!
