Residents of Austin can now recycle food and beverage cartons along with coated paper products in their curbside blue recycling carts. The City of Austin’s latest sustainability initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and support a circular economy by expanding accepted materials.

Cartons, commonly used for milk, juice, protein drinks, soups, and creamers, as well as coated paper products like coffee cups, paper plates, and takeout food containers, can now be recycled. Traditionally, these materials posed challenges due to their moisture-resistant coatings, which required special processing equipment at recycling facilities.

“We’re excited to offer carton and paper cup recycling to all our customers,” said Richard McHale, Director of Austin Resource Recovery (ARR). “Our goal is to reach zero waste by 2040, and adding these materials helps us take a step closer to that goal. Recycling these items is simple—just empty the container, leave the cap on, and place it in your blue cart. There’s no need to flatten or crush it.”

This change is expected to significantly reduce waste sent to landfills, while also conserving natural resources. Recycled paper products can be repurposed into paper towels, tissues, office paper, and roof tiles, promoting sustainability and reducing reliance on virgin materials.

Additionally, using recycled fibers instead of raw wood pulp cuts water pollution by 35% and air pollution by 74%, making Austin’s recycling expansion not just an improvement in waste management, but a meaningful step toward environmental protection.

Austin Resource Recovery urges residential curbside customers to take advantage of the new recycling opportunity. Those interested in learning more about which materials can be placed in their blue recycling carts can visit AustinTexas.gov/recycling.

Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) is a department of the City of Austin, offering waste collection and recycling services, bulk item disposal, hazardous waste management, and community education programs. The department is leading the global transformation from traditional waste management to sustainable resource recovery.

For more details, visit AustinRecycles.com.