Town joins drink cartons recycling

The paper-based waterproof cartons - used for products including milk, juice, smoothies, sauces, soups and custard - have been successfully recycled in large numbers for years throughout Europe, but the UK has been slow to catch on.

Now new bins are being installed at Morrisons, Tesco and Asda supermarkets in Rotherham. The cartons will be taken away to be recycled into products ranging from plasterboard liner to high-strength paper bags and envelopes.

The scheme has been launched by Rotherham Council in conjunction with Tetra Pak Ltd and the carton industry body ACE UK - Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment.

Coun Richard Russell said: “The residents of Rotherham have always responded well to different recycling schemes, but we have still got some tough targets to meet. This latest scheme will help to meet these targets.”

Since April last year, the UK carton industry has made 1.5 million available to help local councils start-up carton collection schemes. There are already 100 areas collecting cartons, which will result in a national network of coverage during the next 18 months.