Frozen concentrated juice containers are a convenient staple for many households, but they’re often difficult to recycle because they’re usually made up of a mixture of paper, plastic, and metal. However, with a little knowledge and effort, you can dispose of these containers responsibly.
Frozen juice packaging, invented by Minute Maid during World War II, never caught on. It’s slowly disappearing from grocery stores There is a preference for bottled juice, which entails a lot of new plastic waste. Juice cartons in particular are replacing traditional frozen juice containers. However, frozen juice containers probably have a useful life of more than 10 years, and recycling challenges will remain until they are phased out forever. Here is a detailed guide on how to recycle frozen juice containers and which juice companies offer recycling services and information.
The first and best use of juice containers is to reuse them. For example, you could use them to sprout seeds for your garden. Juice manufacturer Old Orchard offers some ideas for reusing them: DIY Decoration, Indoor planters for succulents,and Silverware holderBetween others.
Understanding the materials
Frozen juice containers are generally made up of three materials:
- Paperboard: Forms the main structure of the container.
- plastic: The paperboard is coated with a thin layer of plastic (polyethylene, or #1) to prevent leaks and has a peel-off seal that holds the metal lid in place. Some newer container designs use plastic for the body of the container and do away with the paperboard.
- metalThe top and bottom lids of the container are usually made of a ferrous metal such as steel.
Each of these materials requires different handling, making the recycling process more complicated than single-material items: metal lids and plastics must be separated, washed and placed into the appropriate waste disposal route.
- Paperboard: Made of paperboard and a plastic coating, this composite material is not widely accepted in recycling programs. Enter your zip code in this Earth911 recycling locator search to see if there are options in your area. If not, TerraCycle offers recycling bins for a fee. For coated paper containers.
- plastic: Peelable stickers may be recyclable in many areas (check Earth911). If the container body is made of plastic, you can recycle it in your curbside bin.
- metal: The top and bottom lids can be thrown away in your curbside trash can. Be sure to wash and dry the lids before recycling.
Steps to Recycle Frozen Juice Containers
- Check your local recycling guidelinesThe first step is to check with your local recycling program to see if they accept coated paper, #1 plastic, and metals. Or, visit Earth911. Some facilities are equipped to process composite materials, while others are not.
- Separate components where possible: If required by your local facility, separate cardboard from plastic seals and metal linings. This will streamline the recycling process.
- Rinse the container: Make sure containers are clean before recycling. Rinse out any remaining juice to prevent contamination.
- Checking in at specialized facilities: If curbside recycling isn’t possible, look for specialized recycling facilities that accept composite materials.
Unfortunately, with the exception of Old Orchard’s upcycling ideas, juice companies don’t offer specific recycling information or take-back programs to make it easier to recycle their frozen juice concentrate packaging.
The Importance of Recycling Frozen Juice Containers
Reusing or recycling frozen juice containers helps reduce landfill waste that contributes to methane emissions. Although it takes a little extra effort to break down the mixed materials for recycling, you contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.
For more recycling tips and to find local recycling facilities, check out Earth911’s Recycling Locator Together, let’s document ways to make recycling a part of our daily lives.
