Are Pizza Boxes Compostable? The Ultimate Guide!
Pizza is undoubtedly one of the most popular foods in the world. And, with the rise of online food delivery platforms, it’s easier than ever to order in your favorite pizza right to your doorstep. But what happens with the pizza boxes once you’re done with them? Can they be recycled?
Pizza boxes are made of corrugated cardboard, a type of paperboard that’s different from regular paper in construction and thickness. But, since they’re often soiled with grease and cheese, many people are confused about whether or not they’re recyclable. In this article, we’re going to explore the topic of pizza box recycling and give you a definitive answer once and for all.
Are Pizza Boxes Recyclable?
Are pizza boxes recyclable? The answer is – it depends. If the pizza box is clean, free of grease, cheese, and sauce, then yes, it’s recyclable. However, if the box is soiled or covered in food debris, then it cannot be recycled, and you can put it in, either the general waste or the compost bin.
So, how can you tell if your pizza box is recyclable or not? Check if the box is clean. If there are no grease stains or food debris, you can recycle it in the recycle bin. However, if there are stains or debris, it’s better to throw the box in either the compost or the general waste.
Are Pizza Boxes Compostable?
We will take food covered pizza boxes in the compost bin. They mix in with food waste, break down, in time and thicken up our compost mix . We don’t want general cardboard in the compost though, we’re making an exception for pizza boxes as they usually have food on them as well as cardboard.
Are Pizza Lids Recyclable?
Another thing to consider when it comes to pizza box recycling is the lid. The lid of the pizza box is usually made of a thinner paper material than the rest of the box. If the lid is clean and free of debris, it can be recycled separately from the box itself. However, if the lid is soiled, it must be thrown in the compost or general waste bin.
Now, what happens to the pizza boxes once they’re recycled? The boxes will go through a process called pulping, where the cardboard is mixed with water and turned into a slurry. This slurry is then passed through a series of screens to remove any contaminants and thicken the pulp. Finally, the pulp is turned into new cardboard products, such as boxes and packaging.
It’s worth noting that even though pizza boxes can be recycled, it’s always better to prevent waste in the first place. If you can, try to order a smaller pizza or share with friends to reduce the amount of cardboard you’re using. You can also consider reusable options like a pizza stone or metal pan that can be used instead of a cardboard box. There are even reusable pizza containers making their way onto the market.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, pizza boxes are recyclable when clean, and we’ll also take them in compost bins. Always separate the lid from the box if it’s clean and recycle that in Recycling. While recycling is a great way to reduce waste, it’s even better to prevent waste in the first place.
