Bristol Waste has clarified that takeaway pizza boxes can be recycled, provided they are not heavily greasy. The advice comes after comedian Stuart Goldsmith asked the waste firm whether grease on pizza boxes prevents them from being recycled.
What Bristol Waste Said
In response to Goldsmith's inquiry, a staff member stated: "If it has a very small amount of grease on it, it's probably fine." They added: "If it's pretty greasy, then you can just cut around the grease stain and chuck the rest in the recycling." Another employee suggested you can simply "tear the greasy bit off" if necessary.
Tips for Better Recycling
Goldsmith also asked about more efficient packaging for takeaway pizza. Bristol Waste advised: "Loads of pizza places now just put a little sheet of paper under the pizza - and then the box is normally fine. It's that simple."
Public Reaction
On TikTok, one user commented: "Always done that, it takes 3 seconds." However, another person expressed scepticism: "Why can't greasy boxes be recycled? Surely, the water treatment to break it down into cellulose will just make the grease float, right?" Many others admitted they lacked the time to cut up pizza boxes.
Why It Matters
Fresh Start Waste Services explained that grease and oil cause severe issues during recycling. "Plants reject tonnes of otherwise acceptable cardboard each year because of contamination from too much grease," they noted. Instead of being recycled, greasy boxes often end up incinerated or in landfill. Recycled cardboard uses only around 75% of the energy needed to manufacture new cardboard from virgin pulp.
How to Check Your Box
Fresh Start Waste Services recommends picking out any clumps of cheese or toppings that have fallen off the pizza. "Finding these bonus nibbles is a tough job, but it needs doing," they said. "A small amount of oil, while not ideal, won't be a problem – just try to soak up any excess with a napkin or kitchen towel."
