Cardboard – What Varieties Are Recyclable

In 2022, a whopping 93.6% of cardboard found its way back into the recycling stream, which is a BIG win for the environment and our economy.

So, what kind of cardboard can we actually recycle? Well, turns out, most types are fair game for baling. First, there is Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) like shipping boxes and pizza boxes, which are pretty common. Then there’s paperboard, the stuff cereal boxes and beverage carriers are made of, and chipboard, which is a bit thicker and used in stuff like packaging and product displays.

But, not all cardboard is created equal in the recycling world. If your cardboard is coated in wax, soaked with leftover pizza grease, or just plain wet, it’s a no-go for recycling. Recycling centers need cardboard that’s clean and structurally sound for baling. Otherwise, it can mess up the whole recycling process and even damage the machinery.

Why bother with all this cardboard recycling stuff anyway? The environment. By keeping cardboard out of landfills, we’re conserving resources, cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions, and even creating jobs in the recycling industry. Plus, it’s a great way to get communities involved in thinking about their environmental impact.

Now, cardboard comes from paper pulp, which can either be fresh from trees or recycled cardboard. It’s then turned into flat sheets that eventually become all sorts of cardboard products.

When it comes to recycling cardboard, there are a few key steps involved. First, it gets collected from homes or drop-off points. Then, it’s off to the recycling facility or paper mill where it gets sorted and separated from other recyclables. Once that’s done, it’s baling time! The cardboard gets squished into bales and sent off for repulping, where the fibers get cleaned up and turned into new cardboard and paper products.

If you’re into cardboard recycling, here are a few tips to keep in mind. Sort your cardboard types to make recycling easier. Keep it clean and dry to avoid any contamination issues. And make sure to flatten those cardboard boxes before recycling them—it helps save space and makes the whole process smoother.

In a nutshell, cardboard recycling is a big win for the environment, and everyone involved. It’s all about taking care of our planet and making sure we leave it better than we found it, that’s why cardboard bale pickup is so important. So next time you’re done with that cardboard box, remember—it’s got a second life waiting for it in the recycling bin!