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Can You Recycle Pizza Boxes?
Should you recycle pizza boxes? Learn how to properly dispose of these popular takeout boxes, and see why greasy cardboard shouldn't go in your recycling bin.Byline: BTB Editor
June 17, 2022 / Time to read: 5 minRoughly
But where do all the pizza boxes from parties, game nights, movie nights and quick dinners go? If you're unsure what to do with pizza boxes after you scarf down the last slice, we're here with some helpful guidance.
Are Pizza Boxes Recyclable?
So, can you recycle a pizza box? The answer is typically no — pizza boxes are not recyclable in their entirety in most places.
Pizza boxes are usually made from
If the box is greasy, cheesy and saucy with stuck-on food bits, it
But all hope isn't lost. There may be
While whole pizza boxes may be accepted some places, it's not 100% clear how much cheese and grease can be included on them without running the risk of contamination. To be safe, we recommend sticking to the rip-off method.
Can Pizza Boxes Be Composted?
Another popular question is whether pizza boxes can be composted. Once again, the answer is — it depends. On a commercial composting level, you’ll always want to check with local rules and regulations when it comes to what you can toss in the bin. In California, for instance, Republic Services customers can place greasy pizza boxes and other food-soiled paper items in their organics bins. In the case of your
Many home composters toss shreds of the clean parts of pizza boxes into their bin and leave the greasy cardboard behind. That's because cheese and grease can attract animals and
How to Tell if Cardboard Is Recyclable
Cardboard, like the kind used to make moving, shipping and food boxes,
So how can you tell your boxes are good to go in your recycling bin? Follow these key guidelines with all cardboard items.
Do:
- Remove and discard any non-cardboard parts like liners or pizza savers (the three-legged plastic stands that help protect pizzas in boxes)
- Flatten boxes to make space for other recyclables
Don't:
- Include any wet or soiled cardboard (instead, rip off greasy, cheesy or saucy cardboard and toss it in the trash)
- Toss dirty paper plates with your pizza box (you'll want to put those in the trash too)
Closing the Lid on the Great Pizza Box Debate
It’s always good to check your local recycling information before tossing things in your blue bin and remember that what you toss in should always be clean and dry.
And while it can be okay to recycle the clean parts of your pizza box,
