Green in the Grove: EDCO Expands Recycling Program to Include Cartons

Going green is a little easier now that EDCO customers are able to include carton waste with the rest of the recyclables that get put out on the curb. 

That's good news in Lemon Grove, which ranked very low for average waste disposed per person per day according to data released recently by the sustainability and quality of life nonprofit Equinox Center. Coming in at No. 15 throughout the county, the city's average waste disposal increased .02 percent in 2011-2012.

It's a problem in the region. Despite a steady decline in trash production since 2004, San Diego County disposed of more trash than any other metropolitan area in California in 2012. 

EDCO expanded its recycling program Oct. 1 to include cartons that hold a variety of shelf-stable and refrigerated foods such as soup, broth, juice, milk, soy, and wine. 

According to Yvette Snyder, EDCO's director of communications, cartons are easily recyclable and in high demand by manufacturers of recycled products.

"Cartons are growing in popularity as a food and beverage packaging solution and they are appearing more and more on grocery store shelves," she said. "Recycled cartons can be made into many different products such as recycled paper products, like tissue and office paper, and even building materials like wall boards." 

Paper, metal, plastic, and glass are also recyclable through EDCO curbside pick-up. Before you toss cartons in the bin, rinse out any leftover food, and remove caps and straws. Beverage cartons don't need to be rinsed if they are empty.