Egg Cartons (Paper) Put in Paper Recycling Paper egg cartons can be recycled when empty and clean. Place under the light colored lid of a split recycling cart or inside a larger cart or bin labeled for “Paper Only.” If there is egg residue, the carton cannot be recycled but it can be composted; put it in the organics. Paper Cartons Are Compostable If you have a home compost, add in paper egg cartons. These cartons are made from paperboard, which works as a brown material to help the pile break down more quickly. Ways to Reuse Repurpose There are hundreds of ways to repurpose egg cartons from making arts and crafts to starting a fire.