Handling difficult materials: Aseptic packaging

Journal Article · Mon Feb 28 23:00:00 EST 1994 · Waste Age; (United States)

OSTI ID:5051286

Lieb, K

Since aseptic packages, or drink boxes, were introduced in the US in the early 1980s, they have been praised for their convenience and berated for their lack of recyclability. As a result, aseptic packaging collection has been linked with that of milk cartons to increase the volume. The intervening years since the introduction of aseptic packaging have seen the drink box industry aggressively trying to create a recycling market for the boxes. Communities and schools have initiated programs, and recycling firms have allocated resources to see whether recycling aseptic packaging can work. Drink boxes are now recycled in 2.3 million homes in 15 states, and in 1,655 schools in 17 states. They are typically collected in school and curbside programs with other polyethylene coated (laminated) paperboard products such a milk cartons, and then baled and shipped to five major paper companies for recycling at eight facilities.

• OSTI ID: 5051286
• Journal Information: Waste Age; (United States), Journal Name: Waste Age; (United States) Vol. 25:3; ISSN WAGEAE; ISSN 0043-1001
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320604* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Municipalities & Community Systems-- Municipal Waste Management-- (1980-)
MANAGEMENT
MUNICIPAL WASTES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PAPER
POLYETHYLENES
POLYMERS
POLYOLEFINS
RECYCLING
SOLID WASTES
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES