Cardboard Recycling

Cardboard recycling reduces costs and protects the environment
By Elizabeth Gibson 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.

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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.

• 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.