Resources for Cardboard Recycling

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.

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.

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.

• 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.