How to Recycle Corrugated Boxes

Recycling cardboard preserves resources. It saves trees and reduces waste. It also saves money on waste collection for companies. Learn the guidelines for cardboard recycling to make it easier to participate in your community's recycling efforts. Try some tips to streamline the process to make it a more convenient part of your routine waste disposal practices. Some people put off or don't bother with recycling, assuming it involves too much time and trouble. Learn the basics and cardboard recycling becomes efficient and trouble-free.

Things You'll Need

• Utility knife Cord or twine, any kind

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Instructions

• 1

  Learn the guidelines for your nearest recycling option. If your community has curbside recycling, contact the company that provides the service and request its brochure or website address for full information on what kinds of cardboard it takes and how to prepare it. Most curbside recycling programs accept corrugated cardboard boxes, though some prohibit waxed cardboard, such as produce boxes.

• 2

  Check the recycling guidelines for information on preparing corrugated cardboard. Some recycling services require boxes to be flattened and bundled, others accept unbroken boxes.

• 3

  Contact a recycling center or county landfill if curbside recycling isn't available. Ask if the corrugated cardboard has to be broken down. Alternatively, some communities have recycling centers in the parking lots of grocery stores. These usually have a large metal bin for cardboard, including corrugated cardboard. Throw the broken down cardboard boxes or flat corrugated cardboard sheets into them.

• 4

  Prepare the cardboard for recycling. Flattening the boxes saves space and makes it easier to handle them, whether you use curbside recycling or drive them to a recycling drop-off point. Turn the box upside down. Slit the tape holding the bottom box flaps open. Unfold the box flaps. Flatten the box by stepping on it or pushing down on it with your hand.

• 5

  Fold large boxes to a manageable size. Step on them to create a crease so that they fold in half.

• 6

  Stack all the corrugated cardboard. Tie the stack together with cord to make it more convenient to move.