The Importance of Cardboard Recycling and How You Can Help
Cardboard is commonly used in packaging, allowing products to get to consumers safely, but it is also used in hundreds of other ways every day. It is a readily recyclable material and can easily be reused as new cardboard once it has been recycled. However, waxed, wet, or soiled cardboard should not be recycled and should be composted instead. For clean, dry cardboard, read the following to learn more about the recycling process, or call us today to start recycling your cardboard.
Why Should Cardboard be Recycled?
Recycling is far better for the environment as it helps prevent a lot of items from going into a landfill. However, that’s not the only reason to recycle your used cardboard. For every ton of cardboard created, 3 tons of trees are needed. Recycling cardboard is an easy way to reduce a business or individual’s carbon footprint, and it can be incredibly easy to get started recycling. Recycled cardboard can be turned into new cardboard, paperboard like what’s used for cereal boxes, or chipboard like what’s used for shoeboxes.
What Happens After Cardboard is Recycled?
Cardboard can be recycled many times and doesn’t lose its strength when it’s recycled, unlike other materials. Once the cardboard goes through the recycling process, it can be turned into new materials that are used for packaging, boxes, and more. Today, a lot of the corrugated cardboard that’s used for shipping products is from recycled content instead of all-new content.
Preparation for the Recycling Process
It’s easy for cardboard to be prepared for recycling. Any shipping materials will need to be removed, then the box can be collapsed to help save space. It is a good idea to remove labels and tape, but not necessary as that is done during the recycling process. If there is anything spoiled on the box, like food stains, it will need to be cut out before the cardboard can be recycled. Otherwise, it can then be placed in the bin and picked up to be recycled.
Finding the Right Recycling Solution for Cardboard
Residences and businesses have the option to recycle cardboard and help the environment. Residents who have a recycling service can cut down the cardboard and place it outside for the recycling service to collect. Businesses may want to look into customized services to help them recycle as much cardboard as possible. Call us today to speak with a specialist about your cardboard recycling needs and we can recommend the right bin for your business.
The Basic Recycling Process
Cardboard is an easier item to recycle, as most of it can be recycled and used again, even if it has been recycled in the past. The whole process starts with a person or business collecting cardboard and setting it aside to ensure it is recycled.
- Collection of Materials – The cardboard needs to be collected first, in order to be recycled. Businesses can have a cardboard-only recycling bin deposited on their property to make this as easy as possible or can invest in a baler to make it easy to move the cardboard to the recycling facility.
- Sorting of all Cardboard – Cardboard is then sorted based on whether it’s boxboard or corrugated cardboard. The process is generally the same for both types, but they do need to be processed separately.
- Creating a Pulp from the Cardboard – After the sorting, the cardboard is soaked in water along with chemicals that are designed to create pulp from the cardboard. The pulp includes weakened fibers, but they can be combined with new ones to create new cardboard.
- Filtering Out Foreign Materials – The pulp will be filtered to remove any other materials, like the tape used to keep boxes closed. Another filtering device is used to remove any inks or dyes that may have been used on the cardboard.
- Finishing Stage of the Recycling Process – The cleaned pulp is then mixed with new cardboard material and dried. Excess water is squeezed from the pulp as it dries and it is formed into linerboard. This is then used by manufacturing companies to make new cardboard for packing or other purposes.
How to Use Cardboard Recycling to Save Money
The main goal of recycling cardboard is to help the environment, but it can also have a financial benefit as well. We supply a separate dumpster just for collecting cardboard to be recycled so it is not destroyed when mixed in with other items. We do sell the cardboard that is recycled, so if your business recycles enough cardboard, it is possible to get the bin at a reduced price or free. Call and speak with one of our specialists to learn more about saving money while recycling your cardboard.
Commercial Cardboard Recycling Solutions
Businesses can collect a significant amount of cardboard in a short amount of time with all of the product packaging that comes in and needs to be disposed of. Sometimes, it is possible to collect paper along with the cardboard, so you can recycle more for the business. Call us to determine what’s needed for your business to start collecting and recycling cardboard and we can help you determine the best solution and help you do more for the environment.
Cardboard Recycling Solutions for Residents
Residences can recycle cardboard as well. Anything that is ordered and delivered to the house comes in cardboard and many products purchased at the store will be brought home in cardboard boxes as well. Recycling can help in a number of ways, including conserving resources, reducing pollution, and creating new jobs. Many recycling companies will offer recycling bins for residences to ensure it is easy to recycle all of the cardboard that comes in the home.
If you do not yet recycle cardboard, let us help you. We make it easy for businesses to recycle all the cardboard that comes into their facility and can provide the correct size recycling bin for your needs. Call our specialists today to learn more or to set up cardboard recycling for your home or business.