4 Tips for Recycling Egg Cartons
Egg Cartons Are Not Created Equally
Performing the eggstraordinary job of transporting fragile eggs from the chicken coop to your frying pan, egg cartons come in all colors, sizes, and MATERIALS. The most common materials we see are paper, foam, and plastic. Since not all recycling programs accept all types of cartons, each one requires unique consideration before you recycle it. And what to do if you can’t recycle it at all?
We understand that #RecyclingRight can be eggsausting. Follow these 3 tips and tricks to keep those cartons out of landfill.
Pick What’s Recyclable In Your Area
How do you decide which eggs to buy at the grocery store? Is it the price, organic label, or the free range stamp that makes you reach?
How about the material the carton is made from? Consider making your purchase with the recyclability of the container in mind.
As this can vary based on location and other factors, it’s important to check your local guidelines to see which cartons are accepted in your local program.
2. Eggciting DIYs
So you find out that your egg cartons can’t be recycled…now what? Before you toss it, try and reuse it. Here are some creative ideas:
Turn your plastic or paper egg cartons into a seed starter tray.
Create something new with the used cartons: painter’s palette, paper mache, or arts & crafts!
Upcycle into storage or organization containers for small objects such as jewelry, thumbtacks, and paperclips.
3. Reuse
The most obvious use for egg cartons is well…for eggs! Local farmers often accept clean, undamaged cartons for use on their own farms. Some great ways to get in touch with these producers are at your local farmers market, Buy Nothing groups on Facebook, or the Nextdoor app.
In addition, crafters may also like to put those cartons to good use for the same DIY projects mentioned in tip #2. Ask around and check your local social media groups to pay your cartons forward to artists, teachers, and other crafty neighbors.
4. Compost
Paper cartons are compostable!*
If you have a home compost, rip up your paper egg carton into small pieces and add it in! These cartons are made from paperboard, which works as a “brown”, carbon material to help the pile break down more quickly.
*As with all things materials management, check the materials and messaging on your egg carton to ensure that your composting program accepts them. Plastic and styrofoam cartons are NOT compostable.*