Long-life cartons (Tetra Paks)

Several examples of Tetra Paks for milk, stock and other products

Long-life cartons (Tetra Paks) are not recyclable. Place these items in your general waste bin.  

Common uses include: 

  • milk including flavoured milk and plant-based milk  
  • juice and fruit drinks (poppers) 
  • coconut water 
  • soup 
  • liquid cooking bases (beef, chicken and vegetable stock).

These cartons are made from liquid paperboard, a composite material made from bonded layers of paperboard, plastic and aluminium. Because these layers are difficult to separate, standard recycling practices cannot easily process the cartons.

Recyclable alternatives

Consider choosing products with alternative packaging options you can recycle, such as:  

  • recyclable plastic bottles and containers 
  • glass bottles and jars 
  • steel and aluminium cans. 

Disposal / recycling options

Business or community recycling programs

Some single-serve juice and flavoured milk poppers can be taken to a Containers for Change refund point. Look for the 10¢ refund mark on the packaging.

Wheelie bins

  • General waste bin

Waste facilities