Webinar Recording: Recycling Pizza Boxes, Paper Cups, and other Paper-Based Takeout Containers
Resources Referenced in Webinar
From FPI:
From Smurfit Westrock:
There are still lingering questions surrounding what can and cannot be recycled when it comes to paper-based foodservice packaging and takeout containers. Can you recycle pizza boxes, even if there is a bit of grease on the bottom of the box? What about paper cups with the “coating” that keeps liquids hot and prevents the cup from leaking? Doesn’t the grease, food residue, and coatings just ruin the batch of recycling? A lot of this uncertainty stems from the fact that recycling is a hyperlocal activity and variability of material acceptance can differ from city to city. This is, in part, due to the differences in the types of equipment at MRFs and mills, and the recycling information available to residents. The variability causes mixed messages to float around, and in turn, causes confusion and many debates that FPI is working hard to alleviate.
On July 17, 2024, FPI hosted a webinar featuring representatives from a material recovery facility (MRF), a paper mill, and a community who are recycling pizza boxes, paper cups, and other paper-based takeout packaging. They shared how they are able to recycle these materials, the impacts of food residue, and the importance of strong and continuous resident education. An ever-growing list of end markets and paper mills that are accepting paper cups in mixed paper bales and polycoat/carton bales was also shared.
Panelists Included:
Ashley Elzinga, Director of Sustainability & Outreach, FPI
Matt Todd, Senior Consultant, RRS
Scott Byrne, Director of Global Sustainability Services, Sonoco
Lisa Bowles, Marketing Manager, WestRock
David Ingram, Sustainability Project Manager, City of Wilmington, NC
Click the video below to begin watching, or watch the recording on the FPI YouTube Channel.
