Frozen juice concentrated containers are a convenient staple for many households, but often pose a recycling challenge due because they typically consist of a mix of paper, plastic, and metal. However, with a bit of knowledge and effort, you can ensure that these containers are disposed of responsibly.

Invented by Minute Maid during World War II, frozen juice packaging is less prevalent and is slowly disappearing from grocery stores in favor of bottled juice, which comes with a raft of new plastic waste. Juice cartons, in particular, are displacing the traditional frozen juice container. However, the frozen juice container probably has a decade or more of useful life and will remain a recycling challenge until they are permanently retired. Here’s a detailed guide on how to recycle frozen juice containers and information on juice companies that offer recycling services or information.

The first, best use for a juice container is reuse. They can be used for sprouting seeds for transplanting to your garden, for example. Juice maker Old Orchard offers several reuse ideas: DIY decorations, indoor planters for succulents, and a silverware caddy, among others.

Understand the Materials

Frozen juice containers are generally made up of three materials:

• Paperboard: This forms the main structure of the container.
• Plastic: The paperboard is coated with a thin layer of plastic (polyethylene, or #1) is used to prevent leakage, and the tear-away seal that holds the metal lid in place. Some new container designs use plastic for the body of the container, eliminating the paperboard.
• Metal: The top and bottom lid of a container is typically made of ferrous metal, such as steel.

Each of these materials requires different handling, making the recycling process more complex than single-material items. You will need to separate the metal lid and plastic, clean them, and place them in the appropriate waste stream:

• Paperboard: This composite material made of paperboard and a plastic coating is not widely accepted by recycling programs — add your ZIP Code to this Earth911 Recycling Locator search to see if you have a local option. If not, Terracycle offers a paid recycling box for coated paperboard containers.
• Plastic: The tear-away seal is likely recyclable in many communities (check Earth911). If the body of your container is made of plastic, it can be recycled in your curbside bin.
• Metal: The top and bottom lids can be placed in a curbside bin. Be sure to wash and dry the lids before recycling.

Steps to Recycle Frozen Juice Containers

1. Check Local Recycling Guidelines: The first step is to check with your local recycling program to see if they accept coated paperboard, #1 plastic, and metal; or visit Earth911. Some facilities are equipped to handle composite materials, while others are not.
2. Separate Components if Possible: If your local facility requires it, separate the paperboard from the plastic seal and metal lining. This can help streamline the recycling process.
3. Rinse the Container: Make sure the container is clean before recycling. Rinse out any remaining juice to prevent contamination.
4. Drop Off at a Specialized Facility: If curbside recycling is not an option, find a specialized recycling facility that accepts composite materials.

Unfortunately, except for Old Orchard’s upcycling ideas, juice companies provide no specific recycling information or take-back programs to facilitate the recycling of their frozen juice concentrate packaging.

The Importance of Recycling Frozen Juice Containers

Reusing or recycling frozen juice containers helps reduce landfill waste that contributes to methane emissions. The blended materials take a bit of extra effort to disassemble for recycling, but you will  contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future.

For more detailed recycling tips and to find local recycling facilities, visit Earth911’s Recycling Locator. Let’s work together to document how to make recycling a part of our everyday routines!