Reduce Reuse Recycle  -  September 28, 2023

Which supermarket cartons can I recycle?

It's important to remember that just because a container has a recycling symbol (the three arrows making a triangle) it doesn't mean that it can be recycled! It's very confusing, so here's a quick guide to which cartons can go into the recycling bin.

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Confused? Join the club! So, we've found some information about what you can do with the different types of cartons you find on supermarket shelves.

Generally, there are two types:

  • 'Gable-top' cartons, which you will find in the chilled section of your supermarket. These cartons contain liquids such as fresh milk and must be chilled to preserve the contents.
  • Long-life or UHT cartons are made from paperboard and have an extra aluminium (foil) lining which removes the need for refrigeration. If you’re not sure whether your carton has a foil lining, cut the top of your carton, if you can see a silver lining inside the carton, then it's foil lined. This type usually contains things such as liquid stock, long-life milk and juice.

Both types of packaging have their advantages and disadvantages:

  • Gable-top cartons can be rinsed clean and recycled in your kerbside recycling bins - but they have to be kept refrigerated during transportation, storage and on the supermarket shelves.
  • Unfortunately, the long-life cartons cannot (currently) be recycled in WA (because of the aluminium lining), so they must go into your general waste bin. On the plus side, they last longer in your pantry and energy is also saved during transport and storage as they don't need to be refrigerated.