Pizza Box

Question:

I've been told pizza boxes are not recyclable. I've also been told pizza boxes can be recyclable if all the grease spots are cut out. However, I recently heard the City of Chicago is now taking pizza boxes as recycling. I've also read the American Forest & Paper Association is citing a study saying: "Grease and cheese in an amount typically found on pizza boxes are not an issue for the recycling process." Here is the link to that source: https://www.afandpa.org/news/2023/lets-set-record-straight-pizza-boxes-are-recyclable

What is possible in Elgin, IL? And if WM isn't taking pizza boxes, what is their reasoning?

City of Elgin’s Answer:

Pizza boxes are recyclable as long as it does not contain excess grease & cheese/toppings.  Pizza box liners should be removed prior to placing in the recycling cart.

Additional info:

While there have been studies indicating that greasy pizza boxes can be recycled, and some of the national pizza chains are even advertising in on the cover of their pizza box (we see you Domino’s), the reality is those studies were not paid for or supported by the recycling industry and some people find the findings dubious. HERE and HERE are links to other explanations. AND the good news is that you can compost your pizza boxes even if they are greasy!

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You are invited to participate in The Elgin Watchman’s “To Recycle Or Not To Recycle?” community project for 2024 Elgin Earth Month. It is easy to do, and only takes you a few minutes. Everything is explained in our inaugural blog post. CLICK HERE to learn how.