How to store milk containers until trip to recycling center?

Question

We have lots of milk and juice containers and have to store them until we drive to the recyling center. We use plastic bags or bins but they take up a lot of room. Any ideas on how to store them until we go to the recycling center?

Answer 1

Rinse well, stand on them, then stack vertically in a strong crate. This way they form a dense stack, and you can add another crate on top once you can't stuff any more in.

This method compacts them horizontally, adding more just compresses more against the sides of the crate - untill you have a solid pack that you can't stuff another one into - then you start the next crate.

Answer 2

Why not think about the bigger picture.  You should be re-using rather than re-cycling.  Have your milk (and juice) delivered in glass bottles by your local milkman. He will take away the empties and these will be re-used again and again.  Historically this has always been economically viable and it is also environmentally friendly.

Don't forget that recycling costs energy.  While it may have its place in certain situations it is better to tackle green issues at the source - ie why is there all this packaging in the first place rather then deal with the symptoms of getting rid of it.  There is legislation already on the UK statue books regarding the Packaging Essential Requirements Regulations where manufacturers are supposed to be able to justify the amount and type of packaging used but this seems to rarely be effective as its supposed to by enforced by the local authority (councils).

Answer 3

crush them to save space

Answer 4

rinse them then crush them.

Answer 5

rinse them and leave  a spoon full of water in them and put them in the microwave until the are soft then dump the water and stand on them.

Answer 6

Rinse them out thoroughly then crush them.

Answer 7

You could cut the milk cartons in 1/2 and stack them inside each other. This should cut the storage space in half.  I find a lot of other uses for used milk containers too. I cut the top out of them leaving the handle, to use fas water containers for my dogs. Cut in this way, they also make good scoops for a multitude of things. Cutting out the bottoms makes a good tray for plant pots & storage trays for lots of craft items. Remember, it's plastic. Why pay for something plastic that is shaped a little differently when you already have a free reasonable facimilie. I look at everything plastic a second time before I put it in the recycle bin. It is a source of pride to creatively reuse things!  Thanks to my Grandmother for being facinated with plastic!

Tami

Answer 8

You can crush them - pour a tiny bit of boiling water into the container and swirl this around inside. Pour the water out, and at the same time, crush the container flat and put the lid back on. Although these plastic containers are designed to hold their shape, they will re-shape if heat is applied. Doesn't entirely solve your problem but you'll get many more flat containers in a bin bag!

Answer 9

a simple solution would be to see if the Juice comes in another form of container... 1 quart plasitc bags - some stores sell juice and milk in a 3 bag package containing  3 quarts or 4 litres of milk or juice.  The bags can be washed out and used again to save sewing paterns,  buttons, or cheaply recycled (and much easier to store)