Recycling correctly not only helps us reduce our waste, but it can prevent contamination in your recycling bin. Let's break down below an item that is often recycled incorrectly - pizza boxes.
Can you recycle pizza boxes?
Pizza boxes are typically made from kraft, which is a recyclable material. Generally, clean/uncontaminated pizza boxes are recyclable in your kerbside recycling, as most facilities will accept pizza boxes that are clean/uncontaminated.
However, it is always best to double check the specific ‘can’s and cant’s’ with your council.
Can you recycle dirty pizza boxes?
The recyclability of a used pizza box depends on how contaminated it is. i.e. how greasy the box is or what cheesy leftovers are stuck to the box.
If there is too much food residue on it, it makes it difficult to recycle the box.
How to recycle your used pizza box?
Most pizza box designs have a perforated edge so they can be folded in half – or easily ripped. While slightly contaminated kraft is still accepted for recycling, it’s best to err on the side of caution, rip the box in half and put the ‘clean’ top half in recycling bin.
You can put the bottom half that has grease stains on it in your home composting system if you have one, otherwise please dispose it through general waste.
