You can now recycle cartons at home
Recycling just got easier. Food and beverage cartons can now go in your household recycling, helping you recycle more at home. Empty them, keep the cap on, and place them loose in your recycling.
Cartons 101
Cartons are a type of packaging used for many food and beverage products you can buy at the store, such as milk, juice, soup, coffee creamer and more.
Shelf-Stable cartons
Found in the dry goods aisle - no refrigeration needed before opening. Common products include juice, soy and grain milk, soup, and broth.
Refrigerated cartons
Found in the refrigerated section. Common products include milk, juice, cream, egg substitutes, soy and grain milk.
Myths about carton recycling
Discover the facts behind some common carton recycling myths and learn how to recycle your cartons properly.
FACT: Food and beverage cartons do not contain any wax. Cartons are made mainly from paper in the form of paperboard. What you may think of as “wax” on a carton is actually a thin layer of plastic.
FACT: Cartons are accepted in your recycling program. The multiple layers in cartons are broken down during the recycling process. The paper can be used to make new paper products and the residual plastic and aluminum can be sent on for further recycling, such as producing ceiling tiles or wallboard. In other cases, the entire carton is used to make building materials.
FACT: Keep lids and caps on. Recycle the whole carton together, no disassembly required.
FACT: As of January 1, 2026, cartons are accepted in all communities across Ontario as part of the province’s enhanced recycling system.
Why recycling cartons matters
Recycling is a powerful way to make a positive impact on the environment. By giving materials a second life, we reduce the strain on natural resources, lower pollution, and help create a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations. It’s a simple yet meaningful step everyone can take to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible way of living.
Did you know you can recycle the same materials across the province?
Recycle anywhere:
No matter where you are in the province—at home, on vacation, or just passing through—you can recycle the same materials at home. No more having to determine what’s accepted in each community.
Recycle more:
You can recycle even more materials at home!