Recycle This Pittsburgh

Soup Cartons (& other shelf-stable liquids)

About These Items

Some liquids products such as soups, broths, and some milks/creams, come in these rectangular “paper” cartons called “aseptic packaging” that allow for these liquids to be kept sterilized and shelf-stable until opened. They are often labeled “Tetra Pak” and are typically foil-lined inside. They may seem very similar to other paper-based items that are accepted in curbside recycling in Pittsburgh such as paper egg cartons or cereal boxes. However, these cartons are not accepted in curbside recycling.

Unfortunately accepting these cartons for recycling requires specialized equipment at the processing point- equipment that the city’s recycling materials processor does not have and the city’s single-stream curbside format makes it hard to separate these items for alternative processing. This doesn’t mean these cartons aren’t recyclable though – they are! Just not locally here in Pittsburgh since there is no facility that collects and processes them. You can learn more about carton recycling at the Carton Council’s Recycle Cartons website. (IMPORTANT NOTE: The Carton Council’s website mistakenly says that you can recycle cartons in Pittsburgh’s curbside program, however Recycle This has confirmed with the City that this is not true.)

Because they include some plastic and aluminum, they are not good candidates for home composting.

Consider Cans or Jars Instead

If you are looking for a more easily recyclable alternative, the products sold in these cartons are often also available in cans, and sometimes glass jars. Cans and jars are easily recycled through the city’s curbside recycling program.

Drop-off or Mail-in the caps.

Sometimes these cartons include a plastic spout with a screw-on cap. These caps are almost always #5 (polypropylene or PP) or #2 (High-density polyethylene or HDPE). These small caps can’t be recycled in the city’s curbside recycling program, but they can be recycled through other specialty programs:

Drop-off at Reimagined Recycling

Reimagined Recycling is a local program that collects rigid #2 and #5 plastics to be shredded and turned into raw materials to be made into new plastic items.

They run collections on select Sundays at 1225 Larimer Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Currently collection events are announced on their Instagram @reimaginedrecyling or on their facebook page. Please check these links for exact dates and times of collection events.

Items must be cleaned with all labels removed. Please remember to wear a mask and follow Reimagined Recycling on for updates and more exciting news to come!

Drop-off at Michael Brothers Hauling

Michael Brothers Hauling is collecting ALL #1 and #2 plastics (including clamshells, cups, etc) at their location at 901 Horning Rd. 15236. They also accept (and even pay for) scrap metal. Their drop-off is a drive through.

Mail to Preserve’s Gimme 5 program with other rigid #5 plastics.

Preserve runs a collection program called Gimme 5 that accepts #5 plastics, all plastic caps, prescription bottles, toothbrushes, and dip & dairy containers.

Please note that as of June 29, 2022, Preserver has still paused their Gimme 5 mail in program due to logistical challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note that their Preserve Toothbrush Takeback program IS running during this time.

You can mail in your #5 plastics to the Gimme 5 program. (To make this mail-in recycling program as environmentally-friendly as possible, Preserve encourages you to reuse a box and pack it densely, and if possible, ship by ground.)

Mail to:
Preserve Gimme 5
823 State Route 13
Cortland, NY 13045-6574