The carriers, also known as handles, are recyclable but should not be discarded in curbside recycling containers. The carriers can also be dropped off at either Zed’s Beer in Evesham or Farm Truck Brewing in Medford.
The Burlington County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling has launched a new initiative with Oregon-based plastic carrier manufacturer PakTech and two Burlington County breweries to create drop-off locations for used drink carriers, also known as handles.
Starting this month, residents can bring their used drink carriers to the Burlington County Resource Recovery Complex in Florence at 22000 Burlington-Columbus Road.
Carriers can also be brought to the Farm Truck Brewing in Medford or Zed’s Beer in Evesham. Both breweries use PakTech carriers and participate in the company’s recycling program.
PakTech carriers are made from 100% recycled plastics and are widely used by breweries and major drink and food brands like Kirkland, Kraft/Heinz, Colgate-Palmolive, Pepsi and Ocean Spray. The carriers are quickly replacing the older plastic ring holders that pose a threat to wildlife and marine life if littered on land or waterways.
PakTech carriers are recyclable but cannot be processed through Burlington County’s single-stream recycling program. Unlike the aluminum cans they help transport, the carriers should NOT be placed in curbside recycling bins.
Carriers dropped off at the County Recovery Center will be processed and recycled with the county’s other plastics. Farm Truck Brewing and Zed’s Beer wash and reuse the carriers returned to them. Damaged ones will be collected by the county for its recycling.
The county hopes additional local breweries and municipalities will also consider joining the program to give residents more locations to bring carriers.
