How to Prepare Cardboard for Recycling?
Recycling cardboard is the only responsible way to dispose of it so it’s vital to do so correctly. Here’s how.
How to Recycle Cardboard
Cardboard and paper are valuable resources that can be used many times if the quality is maintained. At the same time, it is naturally more sustainable to recycle cardboard, as the production of new cardboard involves the consumption of chemicals, water and, not least, cutting down new trees.
As a company, you can therefore help save energy and natural resources if you ensure that your cardboard waste is sent for recycling. As a plus, recycling cardboard will also reduce your waste disposal costs.
Here’s How to Recycle Your Cardboard Boxes
Advantageously, have a centrally located collection area for your cardboard, so that you can dispose of it where the cardboard waste is generated.
At the same time, minimize the size of the cardboard boxes, as it is then much easier for collectors to handle the waste.
Should you cut cardboard before recycling?
Flattened boxes are easier to handle for recyclers as they take up less space in the bin and the collection truck. In this respect, breaking down the cardboard boxes is a necessary operation.
You can use a box cutter, scissors or knife to remove any packaging labels and remove bubble wrap or packing peanuts.
Sort out contaminated cardboard
It is important to sort cardboard waste because it helps to ensure that waste collectors only pick up cardboard that can actually be recycled. If cardboard boxes are dirty or damp, they cannot be recycled. After that, you can put the cardboard into cardboard balers to make it into bales.
For a more detailed overview of sorting cardboard, see our guide to what type of cardboard can go into a baler.
Your used cardboard becomes new, reusable cardboard
Having your finished, compacted bales of cardboard with no contaminated material, next step is to find a local recycling company that will collect your recycled cardboard. If you do this, you guarantee that your cardboard waste will be collected on time and handled in the right way.
Once the cardboard has been collected, it is sorted at a recycling plant and then sent to factories that produce new cardboard from it. The new cardboard is then typically sold to packaging companies. It is circular economy at its best!
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