Can the empty milk carton (tetra-pak) be recycled?

Question

i have load of empty milk carton in my house..can they be recycled?

Answer 1

Yes, they can be recycled, but it's very difficult because of their layering. The paper has to be separated from the aluminum foil (I'm not sure if there's any other layers), and that's done by melting it (aluminum and paper melt at different temperatures). The whole process is explained in a documentary made by the Discovery Channel. The documentary makes part of the Megacities cycle, and it depicts this process being done in Sao Paulo.

Answer 2

you can take them to the tip at Dulcote Quarry.  There is a special bin marked "Drinks cartons"

Answer 3

I appreciate your initiative of trying to recycle all the tetrapak that you have used.

Yes, tetrapak can be recycled but, not all the recycling facilities have the technology and machinery to do it.

Tetrapak containers are made of multiple layers of paper, plastic and aluninium squeezed together. Separating these to be successfully reusable is a difficult task.

The amount of reusable material obtained from a recycling effort should positively account for all the time, finance, machiner and, technology put into it.

Unfortunately, tetrapak recycling is not that profitable. So, not many are interested in it.

Profitable or not, its our duty to ensure that our planet is not used as junkyard.

Please enquire about your neighborhood recycling facilities capabilities before handing over the cartons.

Squeeze flat the cartons, if they are too many and put them in some box.

Answer 4

yes most defintley can

Answer 5

I used to reuse tetra-pak's by cutting them length ways and using them as pet food dishes. Worked very well, hygienic and better than throwing them out straight away. Not recycling I know,but a good tip on re-use.

Answer 6

Tetra-Pak cartons are not good for recycling since they are formed as a laminate of dissimilar materials not easily separated

Answer 7

In my area (S. Cal) our weekly pick up will take all paper products...even milk cartons. 70-90% of our trash is reusable. The recycle receptical provided to us is 30% larger than our trash receptical given to us.

Answer 8

yes ma'am

Answer 9

Theoretically, the tetra-paks can be recycled. I used to work at the recycled paper mill in Gardiner and we took a few bales of tetra-pak containers and recycled them. The yield was poor because of the foil and plastic. There is certainly no value for your "load". Note that the Gardiner mill has been closed for 5 years. The paks would have to be shipped out of state for recycling now.

Answer 10

As far as I know you can put them in with your paper recycling (assuming they're washed out well). However, you can't return them for a refund. It is best to phone the people that collect your recycling to make sure it's okay to recycle your milk cartons.

Answer 11

you can find out more about tetra-pak recycling at this website as well www.tetrapakrecycling.co.uk so if you wanted you could send your tetra paks back off to the tetra pak the company if you cant recycle them in your area.  However, you have to pay for the postage and packaging.