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Egg cartons follow an interesting journey once the eggs are gone. Cardboard or paper ones get tossed into recycling bins and transform into fresh paper products like magic. Plastic cartons usually show a recycling number, like 1 or 2, and turn into useful items in many places. Foam or Styrofoam cartons can’t be recycled at home and need special drop-off spots. Recycling cuts down on waste and helps keep the planet healthy. When eggs vanish, thinking about where the carton ends up makes a big difference. This small action helps the Earth and is totally worth the effort. Keep reading to discover how everyday recycling can spark big changes.
The answer is yes — with a few caveats:
- Paper or cardboard cartons are recyclable, just like any other paper without toxic ink. Styrofoam egg cartons are not recyclable.
- Since recycling requires energy, and recycled waste still goes to landfill, putting your egg carton in a compost pile is a better solution that recycling it.
- If you put a cracked egg back into the egg carton, or an egg is cracked and it leaks out, you cannot recycle the carton anymore because of food residue.

Better Alternatives to Recycling
Before you recycle your egg carton is use it for compost, try reusing it!
- Give them to people with hens. They love to reuse them and are always on the lookout for more. Oh and don’t worry about mites or parasytes because they clean the carton before reusing it.
- Use them as seed starters! Fill both the lid and wells with soil.
Love,
G.