I have milk in unopened cartons that has to be thrown out. What are environmentally friendly ways to dispose of this waste?
Consider how much milk you have when deciding how best to dispose of it.
Last updated 11/02/2025
How best to dispose of unused milk in an environmentally friendly way depends on a couple of factors, including how much milk you have and what disposal options are available to you.
Here are some strategies you may want to consider:
Use it up (the best option if the milk is within use by dates)
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Cooking and baking: use in pancakes, soups, or homemade cheese.
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Compost: small amounts can be added to compost but should be mixed with dry materials (e.g., leaves, cardboard) to prevent odour.
Pour it on soil (in small amounts)
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Dilute it: mix with water (1:1 ratio) and pour it over soil as a fertiliser. The calcium and proteins can benefit plants, but too much may cause bad odours. Avoid overapplication on a single area.
Pour it down the sink (in small amounts)
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In small amounts, and in situations where it is not possible to dispose of the milk in your garden, pouring out of date milk down the sink is ok.
Do not pour milk down stormwater drains. The high organic load will have a negative impact on the ecosystems in the receiving waterways.
If composting or repurposing isn’t an option, check your local council guidelines. Some areas have food waste collection programs where milk can be disposed of properly.
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