Carton recycling trial
We are currently exploring ways to add cartons to your kerbside recycling collection service. We are carrying out a trial to test the best way to do this.
Trial size:
- We have selected approximately 5000 households from across the district.
Properties in the trial will receive:
-
- an instruction leaflet
- a pack of bags
If you have not been contacted, you are not part of the trial.
If you are unsure, please contact us.
Street selection
We have selected streets where recycling is collected by each type and size of collection vehicle.
This allows us to test how each type of vehicle is affected. We will be looking at capacity, efficiency, and the time taken to complete each round.
Carton types accepted
- juice cartons
- smoothie cartons
- milk cartons
- soup cartons
- pulse cartons
- chopped tomato cartons
How to recycle your cartons
- rinse and flatten your empty cartons.
- put the flattened cartons in one of your bags.
- when full tie the handles securely.
- place your bag of cartons in one of your recycling boxes on collection day.
Putting your bag out for collection
You should only use the bags provided. We will not collect cartons presented in other bags. When you run out, you will no longer be able to take part in the trial
Make sure your bags are full before tying the handles and putting them out for collection. Please don't waste bags by putting them our when they are not full.
Please do not put your cartons out loose. Any boxes containing loose cartons will not be collected.
If we miss your bag of cartons, please put it out for collection next week. We won't be able to return for it.
Why we are using bags
We are exploring different approaches to the collection of cartons to inform decisions on the best approach.
The bags used are made from recycled plastic and are recyclable. They will be separated from cartons at our waste transfer station.
What happens to the cartons
The cartons we collect will be recycled at the only dedicated recycling facility in the UK, at West Yorkshire.
The high-quality wood fibres found in cartons can be recycled multiple times, making them a valuable raw material for new paper products. The plastic caps and foil can also be recycled into new products.
Feedback and evaluation
During the trial we will ask participants for their feedback. We’ll also assess the operational impact of collecting cartons.
This information will help us to collect cartons from all households in the district from March 2026 in the most cost effective and efficient way.
Survey
If you are part of the trial, please use the survey below to provide us with your feedback.