Cardboard & Packaging

Most of today's packaging products can be recycled curbside. Some paper packaging products, such as pizza, refrigerator or freezer boxes, are not recyclable. Many types of plastic food packaging are not recyclable as well. Recycle everything you can and reuse containers when possible.

Did You Know?

Nearly 30% of our trash is packaging. A lot of it is cardboard that can be reused or recycled. There are many things you can do to reduce packaging waste in your home..

Reduction Tips

Buy concentrated products or in bulk from self-serve bins when possible to reduce packaging waste. Also look for packaging made from recycled materials - buying these products keeps recycling going.

Look for a symbol or text like this that indicates the packaging is made from recycled material.

For more tips on reducing packaging waste, visit Reduce.org and click on "At home" or "At the office". Reduce.org is a service of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Disposal Information

RECYCLABLE

Here are some tips on how to recycle or dispose of cardboard packaging.

• Cardboard, as found in heavier corrugated boxes used for appliances, can be reused for shipping, storing items, or recycled curbside. Most waste haulers will pick-up corrugated cardboard on recycling day - call ahead for preparation requirements.
• Boxboard, a lighter weight paperboard used to package the "4-Cs" (cereal, cake, crackers, and chips), is collected for recycling curbside by most waste haulers. Call yours for more information.

 

NOT RECYCLABLE

Reuse or place these items in the garbage. Call your garbage hauler or city for more information.

• Coated boxes commonly used to package pizza, refrigerator and frozen foods are not recyclable, however they are compostable in organics collection programs.
• Plastic packaging used for bakery, produce or meat is not recyclable.

For information on recycling other forms of packaging such as glass, aluminum cans, and plastic beverage bottles, see Curbside Recyclables.