Yes, Tetra Pak® cartons are recyclable!
We're committed to carton recycling and work to promote and encourage more effective, widespread recycling programs. In 2009, Tetra Pak joined together with other carton manufactures in the U.S. to establish the Carton Council, an organization committed to limiting the number of cartons that become waste. Through this unified effort, we seek to build a sustainable infrastructure for carton recycling and continue growing carton recycling throughout the U.S.
Did you know? U.S. carton recycling access has grown nearly 240% since 2009.
Tetra Pak® Carton Recycling Process
When you put your cartons in the recycling bin, you're doing a lot more than keeping them out of landfills – you are contributing to a new product. When the contents are gone, let the carton live on! Watch to learn more about the carton recycling process and the different paths a carton can take once placed in your recycling bin.
Did you know? Carton recycling is available to over 77 million U.S. households*.
*data provided by the Carton Council
Tetra Pak® Carton Recycling Process
When you put your cartons in the recycling bin, you're doing a lot more than keeping them out of landfills – you are contributing to a new product. When the contents are gone, let the carton live on! Watch to learn more about the carton recycling process and the different paths a carton can take once placed in your recycling bin.
Did you know? Carton recycling is available to over 77 million U.S. households*.
*data provided by the Carton Council
SB 343 Update Supports Carton Recycling
Food and beverage carrtons, like those from Tetra Pak, meet California's SB 343 statewide recyclability criteria, allowing cartons to continue carrying on-pack recycling labels. The decision reflects growing recycling infrastructure and carton sortation capabilities across California.
New production facility increases domestic end markets for cartons
ReCB LLC launches an upgraded Des Moines, Iowa facility that uses post-consumer cartons to produce premium building materials, creating local jobs, reducing landfill waste and advancing the circular economy.
As of August 21, 2025, the facility is officially up and running, adding a critical domestic end market for post-consumer food and beverage cartons. The facility produces EverboardTM, a high-performance building material that helps the construction industry reduce reliance on virgin materials while meeting demand for sustainable alternatives.
Embracing the circular economy
Our packaging, processing and services solutions optimize the use of resources. Therefore, the principles of circularity are at the very heart of our business. Our value chain approach and partnerships are helping to make our economy circular.
Did you know? The average Tetra Pak® carton is made from 70% paperboard, a renewable material from responsibly managed forests. We also offer plant-based caps made from sugarcane, further increasing the amount of renewable materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes, Tetra Pak cartons are recyclable! We’ve worked hard over the last 15 years to increase household access and the rate of carton recycling through the Carton Council.
- Today, 63% of households have access to carton recycling.
- This exceeds the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) threshold for use of the recycling label.
- More than 77 million U.S. households can recycle cartons.
Video overview: Tetra Pak® Carton Recycling Process
A: Carton recycling follows a straightforward process.
1. Cartons are taken to the local MRF (Materials Recovery Facility).
2. They are sorted and baled.
3. They are sent to one of two places:
- A papermill to be turned into pulp used for paper products
- A building materials producer, where the full carton is shredded and pressed into sustainable roof coverboards
Video overview: Tetra Pak Carton Recycling Process
A: For proper recycling, follow these steps:
1. Empty the carton
2. Push the straw in or reattach the cap, if applicable
3. Toss in the recycling bin in its original shape
Since cartons are often sorted through optical and robotic sorting, please do not flatten your carton before recycling.
A: No. Cartons need to be empty before recycling, but do not need to be rinsed.
A: No; optical and robotic sorters at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are designed to recognize carton shapes. Because of this, flattening cartons can cause the machines to improperly sort the cartons and lead to contamination.
A: Before recycling, put the cap back on or push the straw back into the carton. This ensures they follow the same recycling process as the rest of the carton and don't end up in the landfill or as litter.
A: Yes. There are currently seven carton recyclers operating in North America. Five of the recyclers transform cartons into paper products, like tissue and writing paper. Two of the recyclers turn full cartons into sustainable roof coverboards.
A: Over 77 million U.S households have access to carton recycling. You can find out where your local carton recycling facility is available through our locator.
A: In the U.S. and Canada, cartons are transformed into tissue products, writing paper and even green building materials, such as roof coverboard.
A: No, the multi-layer structure of cartons does not prevent them from being recycled. These layers can be separated in a hydropulper during the process where needed, or the entire carton, including straws and caps, can be shredded to create sustainable building materials.
A: Yes! All food and beverage cartons are sorted, baled, and recycled through the same process.
A: Shelf stable (aseptic) cartons are made of approximately:
- 70% paperboard 25%
- plastic (polyethylene)
- 5% aluminum
Refrigerated cartons are made of approximately:
- 80% paperboard
- 20% polyethylene
A: Our paperboard comes from wood from forests certified to Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) standards and other controlled sources.
A: The materials included result in an efficient, safe and lightweight package. Each material serves a purpose.
- Paper provides strength and stiffness. Since it is a renewable resource, paper is also a sustainable packaging material.
- Polyethylene makes packages liquid tight and provides a barrier to microorganisms during transport and storage.
- Aluminum foil keeps out air, light and bacteria, all of which can cause food deterioration.
Video overview: How Are Shelf-Stable Tetra Pak® Cartons Made?
A: No, cartons do not contain wax. What is sometimes mistaken as wax is the plastic (polyethylene) coating, which separates in the recycling process.
A: In 2009, Tetra Pak joined together with other carton manufacturers in the U.S. to establish the Carton Council, an organization committed to
- Limiting the number of cartons that become waste
- Building a sustainable infrastructure for carton recycling
- Growing carton recycling in the U.S.
Learn more: Carton Council
A: We remain committed to driving more secure and sustainable food systems, while mitigating climate impacts and improving the livelihoods of people across the world. Discover more about our progress and achievements in FY25 in our latest report.
Learn more: Tetra Pak Sustainability Report FY25
A: Our friendly team is here to help! Just fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.