How to prepare cardboard for recycling
Properly preparing cardboard waste for recycling helps reduce contamination, improve recycling efficiency, and make waste handling easier. Follow these simple steps to ensure your cardboard is ready for collection and recycling.
Why recycling cardboard matters
Recycling cardboard helps conserve natural resources, reduce waste, and minimise the environmental impact of producing new packaging materials. It also supports a more sustainable use of resources.
If your business generates large amounts of cardboard waste, recycling can help reduce disposal costs, improve waste management, and support your company’s sustainability efforts.
However, proper preparation is essential to ensure the cardboard can be recycled efficiently.
Collect and store cardboard properly
Set up a designated collection area for cardboard waste, using suitable recycling bins or containers. Ideally, this area should be easily accessible to employees and waste collectors.
Keep cardboard dry and protected from the weather, as moisture and contamination can reduce its recyclability.
A well-organised collection area also makes recycling easier for employees and helps maintain a cleaner workplace.
Flatten cardboard boxes when necessary
Flattening cardboard boxes can help save space in recycling bins and make them easier to collect and transport.
Remove loose packaging materials such as plastic, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts before recycling. Follow your recycling provider’s guidelines regarding tape and labels.
If your business uses a suitable compacting solution, boxes may not need to be flattened manually before processing.
Sort cardboard and avoid contamination
Proper sorting helps ensure that cardboard waste can be recycled efficiently. Common types include corrugated cardboard and paperboard, which may have different recycling requirements.
Keep cardboard separate from food waste, liquids, and other contaminants. Heavily soiled or wet cardboard may not be accepted for recycling.
Always check your local recycling provider’s requirements to ensure the material is suitable for collection.
Reduce cardboard waste volume
Compacting cardboard waste can significantly reduce the space needed for storage while making the material easier to handle and transport.
Businesses generating large amounts of cardboard can benefit from using a cardboard baler to produce compact, manageable bales ready for recycling.
This can help improve waste handling efficiency and potentially reduce collection costs.
Find a local recycling partner
Choose a reliable recycling company that can collect and process your cardboard waste. Check their requirements for sorting, storage, and collection to ensure your materials are properly prepared.
Regular collections and efficient waste handling can help keep your business organised while supporting your recycling efforts.
Need help managing cardboard waste?
Discover how Mil-tek New Zealand can help your business simplify recycling and reduce waste handling costs.
Contact us for advice and solutions.