Gable Top Recycling
Did you know that milk, alternative milk, and juice cartons are recyclable? You can bring them to Return-It and get your 10¢ deposit refund back!
It’s Easy to Recycle Gable Top Cartons
- Collect
Gather your empty gable top cartons (the ones with the peaked "roof" at the top). - Return
Recycle your empty cartons along with your other beverage containers at any Return-It depot or use Return-It Express for a hassle-free experience. - Refund
Get your 10¢ deposit refund back for every container, or donate it to a cause you care about with Express for Fundraisers.
How Do Gable Tops Get Recycled?
After you drop off your gable-top containers, they are processed through "hydra-pulping." This separates the high-quality paper fibres from the plastic lining. The recovered paper is then turned into new paper products and cardboard boxes.
What Types of Gable Top Containers Are Accepted?
Not sure if your carton counts? Gable top containers are easily identified by their "peaked roof" fold at the top. We accept a wide variety of these containers as part of the Return-It system:
- Milk
- Milk Alternatives: Including oat, almond, soy, and coconut "milks."
- Juice & Smoothies: All ready-to-drink fruit and vegetable juices.
Quick Tips for Gable Top Recycling
- Keep the caps on. They can be recycled right along with the carton.
- Don’t crush them. Keep them in their original shape.
- Rinse or shake out leftover liquid to reduce the “Ick” factor and keep your recycling bin clean.
Return-It Express
The faster, easier way to return your drink containers.
No sorting, no line-ups, no handling cash
Gable Top Recycling FAQ
- What is a gable top carton​?
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It’s a beverage container made from polycoated paperboard, easily recognized by the "peaked" fold at the top (like the gable of a house). These are commonly used for milk, juice, and cream.
- Are milk and beverage cartons recyclable?
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Yes! All ready-to-drink cartons, including milk, juice, and milk-alternative gable tops, are 100% recyclable through the Return-It system. By returning them, you ensure high-quality paper fibres are recovered to make new products like cardboard boxes.
- Are gable top containers refundable?
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Yes, all ready-to-drink beverage gable tops (including milk, milk alternatives, and juices) are part of the deposit-refund system. When you return them to a Return-It location, you receive a 10¢ refund per container.
- Can I recycle cartons at a Return-It Express?
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Absolutely. You can drop off your milk and juice cartons at any Return-It depot or Express location. For the best experience, keep the caps on and ensure the containers are empty.