LunaseeStudios / Shutterstock.com Milk & Juice Cartons Put in Garbage LunaseeStudios / Shutterstock.com Milk and juice cartons are not collected for recycling in the City of Santa Cruz. Ways to Reuse Use as Floor Protectors Protect your floors when you’re moving furniture. Cut open a clean carton and place pieces under the legs of chairs, sofas, tables or dressers. Carton Craft Projects Empty cartons can be used for a lot of fun craft projects. Check out these ideas from DIY to Try.