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Newsflash: Pizza boxes ARE recyclable says paper association

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July 14, 2020

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today released new industry guidance that aims to clear up consumer confusion regarding the recyclability of pizza boxes. The guidance resulted from a study conducted by AF&PA member company, WestRock, that found the presence of grease and cheese at levels typically found on pizza boxes does not impact manufacturing in a negative way, according to a news release. That runs contrary to what many consumers believe and what is often published on information about recyclable waste.

"Corrugated pizza boxes are successfully recycled every day at paper mills throughout the country, yet consumers remain confused by mixed messages suggesting that some boxes should not be put in the recycle bin," AF&PA President and CEO Heidi Brock, said in the release. "So, let's be clear: Pizza boxes are recyclable.

"Consumers should not be concerned about grease or cheese. Simply remove any leftover pizza and place the box in the recycle bin. We encourage communities to update their residential recycling programs guidelines to explicitly accept pizza boxes that are free of food."

In a recent membership-wide survey, AF&PA members, who jointly represent more than 93% of the total quantity of old corrugated containers used by members, said they accept corrugated pizza boxes for recycling. And yet the question about pizza box recycling remains one of the most frequently asked.

"When speaking at recycling conferences, the question I'm asked most often is: 'Are pizza boxes recyclable?'" Dennis Colley, president and CEO of the Fibre Box Association, said in the release. "This guidance from AF&PA should give municipalities, recycling centers and households the information they need to confidently recycle pizza boxes."

"AICC applauds the work of AF&PA, its members and our fellow organizations in continuing to provide clarifying information on this topic," Michael M. D'Angelo, president of AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, said in the release. "It's important for consumers to understand that the container of one of America's favorite foods is recyclable. We are pleased to participate in the confirmation of the recyclability of the pizza box and encourage consumers to recycle them as they would any other box."