Avoiding Cardboard Recycling and Disposal Mix Up
Easy Cardboard Recycling Tips!
If you’ve ever moved to a new house or apartment, you know the inconvenience that comes with hauling the boxes. But, what about all of the leftover boxes you have after getting settled into your new home?
Before you throw boxes into the attic, or out with the garbage, remember to recycle them! Cardboard is a high quality material recyclable multiple times. Recycling boxes also uses up to 50% less energy and reduces pollution by 95% because the fiber has already been processed (Combined Resources).
Greasy, wet cardboard is not capable of being part of the recycling program. It takes a short time for you and your friends to polish off a pizza. But, the grease from that pizza stays on the box forever, making the box non-recyclable. However, rip off any clean section of the box and recycle it while throwing the grease stained areas in the garbage. The same rules apply for any wet or soggy cardboard (Earth911).
Cereal boxes, cake mix boxes, cases of pop and similar cardboard items all qualify as recyclable. Cereal makes for a great midnight snack. But, once you’ve finished the box, make sure to throw away the plastic bag from inside.
Make sure to flatten boxes before putting them in the recycling container. This saves room in your containers. And, it makes it easier to transport and process in our facility. If you want to be even greener, try reusing old boxes! They are a great way to let kids use their imagination. Check out our Pinterest for ideas on how to turn a cardboard box into a castle, spaceship, and more!
No matter the result, remember to recycle, reuse, and flatten when clean.