Recycling is a fundamental practice for building a more sustainable future. While many of us regularly toss cardboard into the recycling bin, not all cardboard is recyclable.
There are specific conditions for recycling and understanding them ensures that our efforts contribute positively to the environment and don’t contaminate the greater recycling stream. We’re taking a brief look at when you can and cannot recycle cardboard, including the different types and why this topic matters.
Table of Contents
Cardboard You Can Recycle
Most types of clean and dry cardboard are recyclable. Collection services and processing facilities can easily handle these materials.
- Corrugated Cardboard: These are the standard boxes used for shipping and packaging. Their layered structure makes them a valuable resource for creating new paper products.
- Paperboard: This includes items like cereal boxes, shoe boxes, and tissue boxes. These single-layer cardboard products are also highly recyclable.
For recycling facilities to accept these items, you must prepare them correctly. Break down all boxes to lay them flat, which saves space in collection bins and trucks. Also, remove any plastic wrapping, bubble wrap, or Styrofoam inserts before placing the cardboard in your bin.
Cardboard You Cannot Recycle
Recycling facilities cannot process certain types of cardboard due to contamination. Placing these items in your recycling bin can ruin an entire batch of materials, effectively making every item nonrecyclable—what a waste.
Wet or Oily Cardboard
Cardboard is made of paper fibers, and when these fibers get soaked with water, oil, or grease, they break down and become weak. During the recycling process, paper is mixed with water to create a pulp.
Oil and grease do not mix with water and will create spots and holes in the new paper products, rendering them unusable. For this reason, you must throw pizza boxes with grease stains and other food-soiled cardboard in the trash. Properly disposing cardboard waste that is contaminated is critical to keeping the recycling stream clean.
Wax-Coated Cardboard
Some cardboard boxes, particularly those used for produce or refrigerated liquids like milk and juice, contain a thin layer of wax to prevent them from getting soggy. This wax coating makes the cardboard resistant to water, which also means it cannot break down into pulp during the recycling process. Unless your local facility has specialized equipment to handle these materials, you should place wax-coated cardboard in the trash. You should also continue to break down the boxes to avoid taking up too much space.
Recycling biodegradable cardboard that is clean and free from contaminants conserves natural resources and reduces landfill waste. By learning to distinguish between what is acceptable and what is not, you can make your recycling habits more effective and contribute to a healthier planet.
Make a Real Impact
Knowing when you can and cannot recycle cardboard helps you make a tangible difference in your waste reduction efforts. Always check with your local recycling provider for specific guidelines, as rules can vary by municipality. By taking a few extra moments to make sure your cardboard is clean and correctly sorted, you support a more efficient and successful recycling system for everyone.
