Carton Recycling at School
Did you know?
The average Canadian primary school produces 39,000 used milk and juice cartons each year.
To make sure these cartons end up in the right place, EcoSchools Canada and the Carton Council of Canada are partnering up to promote proper recycling of milk cartons and drink boxes at school. Learn how to skip the landfill and give cartons a new life through the power of recycling!
Curious about what cartons become when they are recycled? Click here to explore the many uses, including paper towels, ceiling tiles, and building materials.
Carton Recycling
Transform your school’s recycling program!
Is your school eager to enhance its recycling systems and significantly reduce waste sent to landfills? Our Carton Recycling School Grants are designed to help your school create effective recycling stations, complete with signage, bins, and liquid dumping stations.
There are 9 grants in total, available in two different amounts:
1 grant of
8 grants of
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a grant, your school must meet the following criteria:
Add the “Sort Your Waste” and/or “Conduct a Waste Audit” actions to your EcoSchools plan and commit to completing them.
Obtain necessary approvals from your school administrator or school board/district.
Ensure that food and beverage cartons are accepted as part of your school’s recycling program.
Submit your application by December 20, 2024.
Assessment Criteria
Grant applications will be assessed based on:
Project Plan
Provide a clear plan outlining your recycling system project.
Demonstrated Need
Describe or show evidence of your school’s need for a new or improved recycling system.
Student Involvement
Highlight how students will be involved in planning and implementing the project.
Get Inspired!
Need ideas to get started? Here are some innovative solutions other schools have successfully implemented to enhance their recycling programs:
Dump Station
Here is an example of a school’s “dump station”, where students can easily empty residual milk and juice into a bucket with a strainer to capture any food, straws, or wrappers, and it is easy for custodial staff to lift and empty!
Recycling Bin with Mesh Bag
This school has lined their recycling bins with mesh bags to allow any remaining liquid in the cartons to drain out, ensuring cleaner cartons for the recycling process and a quicker cleanup.
Signage and Bins
This school has clearly designated bins to separate their recycling, including creative signage to ensure students and staff know what goes where.
Bucket Strainer
This school adopted a technique using bucket strainers that allows them to dump cartons from liners, but not the accumulated liquids from the cartons.
Carton Recycling Tips & Resources
Support waste reduction and recycling at your school by completing the Sort Your Waste and Conduct a Waste Audit actions on the EcoSchools Certification Application. Use these resources for tips, strategies, and best practices for establishing a robust and successful carton recycling at your school:
Created with support from the Carton Council of Canada
