Comprehensive characterization of beverage cartons in urban waste: A case study from Austria

Beverage cartons are an important packaging material for dairy and other food products. Despite this importance, there are few studies that provide an in-depth characterization of beverage cartons when they become waste. This study aims to fill important data gaps on this packaging waste by presenting the results of a comprehensive characterization of beverage cartons, using the case study of Vienna. Through manual sorting analysis and high-temperature washing, moisture and dirt content and beverage carton types were assessed and annual quantities and separate collection rates were calculated. The results show that over 6,000 tonnes of beverage carton waste are generated in Vienna each year, mainly from fresh milk and juice. Over 80% of these are disposed of in mixed MSW, resulting in a net separate collection rate of 19.6%. The specific separate collection rate varied significantly depending on the type of packaging, ranging from 5 to 36%. In particular, beverage cartons with a high plastic content (up to 38%) showed a lower separate collection rate, undermining recycling efforts of beverage cartons. Moisture and dirt levels reached up to 28% of the gross mass, but only moderate differences were found between beverage cartons from mixed MSW and separate collection. Targeted consumer education and improved recycling processes would be essential to increase the usability of beverage carton secondary raw materials for high-value applications.