Cardboard Recycling Key Terms

Learn the right terms to start recycling cardboard

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.

 

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

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