Carton Recycling In U.S. More Accessible Than Ever

VERNON HILLS, Ill., Sept. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Forty-five percent of U.S. households can now recycle cartons through their curbside recycling programs and other recycling venues, thanks to a unique voluntary private and public collaboration that includes industry, recycling facilities and local governments.

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The Carton Council of North America, a group of carton manufacturers united to deliver long-term collaborative solutions in order to divert valuable cartons from the landfill, announced today that the new milestone had been reached. Forty-five percent access is an increase of 150 percent from 2009, when the Carton Council was formed and carton recycling access stood at just 18 percent.

In 2009, 21 million U.S. households had access to carton recycling in 26 states. Now, 52.5 million households in 45 states can recycle cartons, including residents in New York, Dallas, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Denver, San Diego, Louisville, Arlington and Los Angeles.

"More and more communities are coming on board and establishing access for their residents to recycle cartons," said Jason Pelz, vice president, environment, Tetra Pak North America, and vice president of recycling projects for the Carton Council of North America. "Sixty-four of the 100 largest U.S. cities are part of the carton recycling movement and provide access to carton recycling to their residents. The progress in increasing access across the U.S. is indicative of the recyclability of cartons as well as their value through strong end markets."

The newest recycling facilities to come on board and accept cartons are Gold Coast in California and Republic Services in Lorain, Ohio. The addition of these two facilities and the communities they serve helped in reaching the 45 percent milestone.

"We're delighted to accept cartons into our recycling program," said Eric VanHouten, Elyria business unit general manager for Republic Services. "The addition of cartons makes recycling even easier for our residents and provides another opportunity to remind them of the importance of recycling."

"Industry and community support is only continuing to grow across the country, and we are channeling that support into our ongoing efforts of adding access and infrastructure for recycling cartons," said Pelz. "We are encouraged by this 45 percent milestone and are even more motivated to move full speed ahead toward achieving 50 percent and eventually 60 percent access."

Made primarily from a 100 percent renewable resource, lightweight and compact in design and with a low carbon footprint, cartons have proven to be a sustainable packaging solution that is growing in use for a variety of liquid and food products. Recycling facility managers and community program officials are finding it necessary to integrate them into the recycling supply chain, where they are a proven valuable material thanks to their high-quality, and virgin, long fiber. In addition to the fiber, cartons have thin layers of polyethylene (plastic). Shelf stable cartons also have a thin layer of aluminum to enable the product to be stored safely without refrigeration. These materials can also be recovered and recycled.  

The Carton Council currently has a campaign designed to help counties and municipalities, as well as recyclers, bring carton recycling to their residents. For more information about the recent 45 percent milestone, the Carton Council or the campaign, visit CartonOpportunities.org.

ABOUT THE CARTON COUNCIL
The Carton Council is composed of four leading carton manufacturers, Elopak, SIG Combibloc, Evergreen Packaging and Tetra Pak, as well as an associate member, Weyerhaeuser. Formed in 2009, the Carton Council works to deliver long-term collaborative solutions in order to divert valuable cartons from the landfill. Through a united effort, the Carton Council is committed to building a sustainable infrastructure for carton recycling nationwide and works toward their continual goal of adding access to carton recycling throughout the U.S. For more information, visit CartonOpportunities.org.

SOURCE Carton Council of North America