Blue Bin FAQs – Cardboard cans
Cardboard cans can go into the Blue Bin.
What are cardboard cans?
Cardboard cans are round and have a spiral groove you can see on the outside and inside of most cans. Because of the groove they are also known as "spiral-wound tubes". Sometimes the product label will hide the spiral, but when the cardboard can is empty you should see the spiral on the inside. Many cardboard cans come with plastic lids, pull-off strips and/or metal tops. Cardboard cans are used for a variety of products, such as:
- refrigerated dough
- frozen juices
- chips, nuts and other snacks
- powdered drink mixes and baby formula
- shortening
- powdered cleansers
Is the whole can recyclable?
Recycling a cardboard can is easy-almost all of it goes in the Blue Bin. The only pieces that go in the garbage are the pull-off strip and the peel-off seal (see diagram below).
How to recycle a cardboard can:
- Rinse or wipe out the food/residue.
- Throw away the plastic pull-off strip and/or peel-off seal; if there is one.
- Place only the empty cardboard can, metal ends and plastic lid, if any in the recycling box (put the loose metal end or "top" inside the cardboard can and pinch closed).
Why are we now including these cardboard cans for recycling?
The City is constantly looking for products to add to its recycling program. The City needs to add new materials to the recycling program if it is to meet its waste diversion goals.
It's all about what the market can accommodate, what technology is out there and whether there is a demand for the recycled products.
The recycling industry – thanks to residential and commercial demand for more recycled products – has grown in leaps and bounds over the past 10 to 15 years. There is now an established industry/market for cardboard cans.
What do cardboard cans become when recycled?
Cardboard cans will be recycled into new products such as reinforcing bars for concrete and automotive parts.