The Carton Council has opened applications for its 2026 School Carton Recycling Grant Program, providing funding to help K–12 schools across the United States and Canada establish or expand food and beverage carton recycling programs.
Applications are open now through June 30, 2026, with funded projects expected to be implemented during the 2026–27 school year.Funding available for K–12 schools to expand and improve carton recycling
The grant program supports schools in improving the recovery of recyclable cartons used for milk, juice, and other food and beverage products commonly consumed in cafeterias. Funding may be used for cafeteria recycling stations, collection bins, signage, education and outreach programs, student-led “green teams”, and other initiatives that increase carton recovery and participation.
“Schools play an important role in building recycling habits and strengthening participation in local recycling programs,” said Jordan Fengel, Carton Council Executive Director. “Beyond teaching students about sustainability and stewardship, school recycling programs provide a great opportunity to improve recovery rates. As carton recycling access continues to expand, we want to help schools take advantage of that infrastructure and ensure students can recycle cartons every day.”
Eligible applicants include public and private K–12 schools, school districts, boards of education, and school administrators or sustainability coordinators applying on behalf of a school or district. Applicants must be located in communities where cartons are accepted for recycling.
Grant amounts will vary based on project scope and anticipated impact. Funding decisions will consider factors including student participation, education and engagement plans, project readiness, and the anticipated increase in carton recovery.
The Carton Council works to expand the collection, sorting, and end markets for food and beverage cartons across the United States and Canada. Since 2009, household access to carton recycling has grown significantly, with more communities than ever able to recycle cartons through their local recycling programs.
