Recycle Cardboard

Is all cardboard recyclable?

No, not all cardboard products are recyclable. For example, cardboard that is contaminated with food waste or other substances, such as grease or oil, may not be recyclable. Additionally, some types of cardboard, such as wax-coated cardboard used for food packaging.

But most types of cardboard are recyclable. Cardboard is a type of paper product that is made from wood fibers and is used for a variety of purposes. It is widely recycled because it is easily repulpable and can be made into new products, such as new cardboard boxes, paper products, and building materials.

Recycling cardboard boxes

When recycling cardboard boxes, there are some steps you can follow to make it easier in the recycling process.

1. Remove any non-cardboard materials: Before recycling your cardboard boxes, remove any non-cardboard materials, such as plastic, Styrofoam, or bubble wrap.
2. Flatten the boxes: Flattening your cardboard boxes makes it easier to store and transport them.
3. Bundle or bag the cardboard: This helps to keep the cardboard organized and makes it easier for the recycling facility to sort and process the material.
4. Transport the cardboard to the recycling center

Where can I recycle cardboard?

Drop cardboard at your local recycling center. They likely have cardboard recycling containers capable of accepting large amounts of cardboard.

There are also other ways to dispose of cardboard-like:

1. Curbside recycling programs: Many communities have curbside recycling programs that accept cardboard for recycling.
2. Scrap yards: Some scrap yards that specialize in paper and cardboard recycling may also accept cardboard for recycling.
3. Retail stores: Some retail stores, such as grocery stores, offer cardboard recycling programs.

Cardboard recycling centers

Once the cardboard reaches a recycling center, it is processed and transformed into new products. The following is a general overview of the steps involved in the cardboard recycling process:

Once collected from various sources, cardboard is sorted into different grades based on quality and type. It is then compressed into bales and shipped to a recycling facility. The bales are broken down into fibers through pulping, and the resulting pulp is screened and cleaned to remove impurities. If the cardboard contained print, the pulp undergoes de-inking. The cleaned fibers are then re-pulped and used to make new paper products, such as cardboard boxes and cartons. Recycling cardboard conserves resources, reduces waste, and helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to producing new cardboard from raw materials.

Explanation of the process of cardboard recycling

Collection: Recyclers and businesses collect the waste cardboard in cardboard recycling containers, and the separated cardboard is transported to a cardboard recycling plant.

Sorting: Once the waste cardboard reaches the cardboard recycling center, it needs sorting. This sorting is done based on the type of cardboard, with the two popular types being boxboard and corrugated board.

After the sorting is done, the cardboard is then baled. For this purpose, machines such as cardboard balers are used to ensure that the cardboard is compressed into compact bales that are easy to handle.

Shredding and pulping: The next step is shredding, and then pulping follows. Shredding is done to break down the cardboard paper fibers into minute pieces. When the material is shredded, it is soaked in water. Cardboard recycling centers will also use chemicals that hasten the pulping process. The pulped material is then blended with new pulp, generally from wood chips that ultimately help the resulting substance to solidify and become firmer.

Filtering, conterminal removal, and de-inking: The pulped material is taken through a comprehensive filtering process to get rid of all the foreign materials present and impurities such as tape, strings, or glue. The pulp further goes into a chamber where contaminants like plastics and metals staples are removed through a centrifuge-like process.

The following process is de-inking; any color that the pulp has will also be removed using a floatation device that employs de-colorization chemicals.

Finishing for reuse: At this stage, we are looking at a pulp that is ready to be given the desired shape. Virgin paper materials are added, followed by drying. Drying is done either on a conveyor belt or table. As it dries, the material is fed through a machine that squeezes excess water and helps the fibers form a solid sheet called a linerboard. The linerboards are glued together, layer by layer, to make a new piece of cardboard.