Cardboard recycling is a must, regardless of the type of business that you own. Depending on the amount of cardboard that your business uses, you may want to invest in different types of cardboard-recycling equipment. It is also imperative that you are aware of the appropriate key terms that are associated with the cardboard-recycling process. An understanding of the key terms will allow you to properly prepare your cardboard for recycling, and it may even positively affect your pocketbook.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Linerboard

The word linerboard refers to a paper product that is produced from recycled paper fibers and new pulp. Linerboard is essential in the cardboard-recycling process.

I recommend: Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging has information on linerboard, how it is used during the recycling process and in other applications.

OCC

OCC, or old corrugated cardboard, refers to used pieces or boxes of corrugated packaging materials. These materials are used during the recycling of cardboard to create new products.

I recommend: Check out Recycle Guy for OCC facts and information about non-recyclable old corrugated cardboard.

Compactor

A compactor is a piece of recycling equipment that is similar to a baler. It is used to crush cardboard and OCC prior to the recycling process. Cardboard-recycling plants also use compactors to crush OCC as the first part of the recycling process.

I recommend: Chicago-compactors.com provides a diagram and description of a stainless steel compactor.

Pulp

Pulp is an important word in the process of cardboard recycling. Pulp is the material that is created from old materials in order to make new materials. There are different types of pulp depending on the type of paper or cardboard material that is being recycled.

I recommend: For information on all types of pulp visit the American Forest & Paper Association.

Baler

A baler is a machine that's used to crush large pieces and boxes of cardboard. This process conserves space and gets the cardboard ready for the recycling process. It is a cost-effective tool for many types of business owners.

I recommend: Harmony Enterprises offers information on cardboard recycling and the use of a baler.

Contaminants

Contaminants can ruin any recycling process. For cardboard recycling, the most common contaminant is food or grease.

I recommend: Live Science offers facts about contaminants in the cardboard-recycling process, such as grease and food, and what can be done to prevent them.

Businesses can adopt environmentally friendly processes by cardboard recycling. Through the course of doing business, companies order products and supplies packed in cardboard boxes that generally end up in the landfill. However, if the boxes are recycled, businesses avoid costly dumping fees. In addition, paper companies save costs when cardboard pulp is reused rather than remanufactured.

Consumers cannot recycle some containers, such as wax-coated milk cartons. Carrier stock cartons, like beer or soda pop cartons, do not break down to individual fibers when recycled. Don't mix cereal boxes and other chipboard with cardboard since its recycling process is different.

Develop a recycling collection process that handles cardboard collection and delivery to the appropriate recycling facility. If there is no service in your city, initiate discussions with your city council for establishing one. If necessary and feasible, ship your recyclable containers outside the area for disposal.

To add a cardboard recycling function to your business:

1. Identify what cardboard can be recycled.

2. Develop an internal process for collecting cardboard.

3. Identify cardboard recycling facilities for disposal.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find cardboard recycling information

When you think of cardboard, you generally think of corrugated containers. Such containers can be recycled. Other types of paper packaging cannot be recycled at all. Other types of recyclable paper packaging require a different recycling than corrugated containers.

I recommend: Corrugated Packaging has cardboard recycling information on their website and even have a downloadable diagram that shows how the recycling procedure. Recycle Guy provides a cardboard recycling list of types of cardboard that can be recycled. This website differentiates between cardboard and other types of recyclable paper separated from cardboard. First Piedmont Corporation tells consumers to avoid placing certain types of material in recycling containers.

Establish a cardboard recycling procedure for your company to follow

Establish procedures so that employees know what is expected of them in the cardboard recycling process. Design collection points so that they do not create a nuisance or an eyesore. Users need to remove all contents and flatten boxes before placing them in a recycling bin. If your volume warrants, purchase a baler to package your cardboard for disposal.

I recommend: TFC Recycling supplies cardboard collection containers. TFC also conducts waste stream analyses to help you design the best cardboard recycling process. Advanced Environmental Products supplies collection containers as well as material handling bins and pallets. Harmony Enterprises supplies baling systems in various sizes, depending on your volume. Fox Compactors sells cardboard compactors and balers suited for restaurants, hospitals, schools, or any other large generator of cardboard waste.

Choose the cardboard recycling service that best meets your needs and budget

Many cities and counties have recycling centers that process paper, newsprint, glass, cardboard, and aluminum. Some centers require that your business deliver the product to them, while others have a pickup service. Select the service that is right for you or help your city establish a facility if your city does not have one.

I recommend: Discount Waste provides a range of recycling services across the country. This company establishes bale routes to smaller customers and recycles large amounts of cardboard. Another cardboard recycling provider, American Recycling customizes recycling programs. Many other local and regional recyclers offer cardboard recycling and can be found via the cardboard recycling directory at Local.com or go green with Earth911.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Benefits of cardboard recycling include saving landfill space, saving new timber from being cut, decreasing pollution in the paper milling process and saving money in disposal costs. Some recycling centers pay you for your recyclable cardboard.