We called the Metro Recycling Hotline and found out the Tetra Pak, or aseptic packages, were a controversial item in the past, but are now recyclable curbside in your blue bin. The containers should not be flattened, though, because sorters remove them from the conveyor belt and ship them to another recycling center that is hot enough. There were some surprises, too. Butter boxes and frozen food boxes cannot be recycled, because of a plastic lining. These go in the trash.
Examples of aseptic containers that are OK curbside:
- Orange juice containers
- Soy and rice milk boxes and containers
- Milk containers
- Juice containers
- Soup and stock boxes such as Imagine brand
Containers that are not accepted curbside:
- Frozen food boxes
- Cubed butter boxes
Call Metro Recycling Hotline:
503-234-3000 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.