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Egg cartons take a fascinating trip after the eggs vanish. When they’re made of cardboard or paper, toss them in the recycling bin and watch them turn into shiny new paper products as if by magic. Plastic cartons need a closer look for the recycling number, usually 1 or 2, and get transformed into cool new things in many places. Foam or Styrofoam cartons require special attention since they typically can’t be recycled at home. Instead, they need special drop-off spots. Recycling helps cut waste and is super for our planet. So when eggs disappear, consider where the carton will go next. It’s a tiny step that Earth will really love and definitely worth your time.
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.
