Website educates consumers on carton recycling

Posted by Lisa McTigue Pierce -- Packaging Digest, 12/8/2011 11:09:18 AM

To increase awareness about carton recycling, the Carton Council, a group of packaging companies seeking to reduce the environmental impact of cartons by expanding recycling programs across the country, and Earth911 Inc., host of the nation's largest and most accurate recycling directory, are teaming up to help people recycle more.

A new section on Earth911.com was built to specifically address the ins and outs of carton recycling, and Earth911 and the Carton Council will work on stories throughout the year containing facts, tips and ideas to help people improve their knowledge about carton recycling.

"As carton recycling opportunities have become more prevalent throughout the U.S., we saw the need to establish reliable information on how consumers can participate in this growing stream," says Raquel Fagan, vp of media for Earth911. "We are excited to launch this new resource with a group that is so dedicated to ensuring this packaging does not go to waste."

Currently, 36 percent of U.S. households have access to curbside carton recycling—up from 18 percent only two years ago according to the Carton Council. Drop-off and mail-in programs are also available, expanding access. The average person uses 17 drink boxes per year, which means there is a significant opportunity to reclaim these materials for secondary use.

"Not only is the Carton Council working to establish wider access to carton recycling," says Ed Klein, executive director of the Carton Council, "but we want to make sure that the people who do have access know that they can recycle these materials and how to do that properly. With our relationship, they can read about, find and utilize their local recycling opportunities easier than before."

Beyond recyclability, cartons offer additional environmental benefits. Cartons are made mainly from a renewable resource that is responsibly replenished. Cartons are also light-weight and compact, resulting in a low carbon footprint.

As of November 2011, the Carton Council's Carton Recycling Access Campaign has helped increase consumer access to nearly 42 million households nationwide (more than one in three American households).

Source: Carton Council

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