Recycling Pizza Boxes: What to Know About Grease (and Frozen Pizza) 

Pizza boxes are one of those items that can make the most confident recyclers pause. The box is cardboard, so it seems recyclable. But what about the grease stains on the bottom or the cheese stuck in the corner?

Pizza boxes can be recycled, and some Colorado communities also accept them for composting. Because local programs vary, it’s worth knowing what’s accepted where you live. (You can find local recycling info using this address lookup.)

The good news is that your pizza box doesn’t have to be spotless to be recycled. A little grease is generally OK. What matters more is removing leftover food and any parts of the box that are soaked through with grease.

Can pizza boxes be recycled?

Yes. Pizza boxes are made from corrugated cardboard, which is often turned into new boxes. Before putting the box in your recycling, empty it completely. Remove leftover pizza, crusts, cheese, dipping cups, liners and anything else that isn’t part of the cardboard box.

Once it’s empty, take a look at the cardboard. If you see a few grease spots, put it in the recycling bin. If part of the box is soaked through with grease or covered in food, tear off that section and recycle the clean cardboard.

How greasy is too greasy?

Think beyond a few grease spots. The bigger concern is cardboard that’s soaked through with giant grease spots, or still has food stuck to it. Recycling your pizza box is pretty simple: empty the box, remove any heavily soiled sections, flatten it and recycle the clean cardboard. A few grease spots? Don’t sweat it.

Can you recycle frozen pizza boxes?

Yes. If the box looks and feels like a regular cereal or cracker box, it can usually go in your recycling. But some frozen pizza boxes have a shiny, waxy or plastic-like finish that helps protect the food from moisture. Those boxes may not be recyclable. If you’re unsure, search your address to find out more about your local recycling program.