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Cardboard Recycling Guide

Cardboard is one of the easiest and most cost-effective materials to recycle. By keeping cardboard clean, dry, and separate from other waste streams, businesses can reduce landfill costs and support a circular economy. This guide explains what can and can’t go in cardboard bins, bin options, and best practices.

✅ What Can Go in Cardboard Recycling Bins

  • Clean cardboard boxes – shipping cartons, moving boxes, and packaging

  • Paperboard packaging – cereal boxes, shoe boxes, and other light packaging (liners removed)

  • Flattened cartons – always break down boxes to save space

  • Dry, uncontaminated cardboard – no grease, food, or liquids

❌ What Cannot Go in Cardboard Recycling Bins

  • Wax-coated cardboard – produce boxes with wax lining

  • Plastic-lined cardboard – coffee cups, freezer boxes, takeaway containers

  • Food-contaminated cardboard – greasy pizza boxes, soiled packaging

  • Wet cardboard – moisture weakens fibres and prevents recycling

  • Mixed materials – cardboard attached to plastic or Styrofoam

Bin Sizes and Options

  • Rear lift bins – 240L, 660L, and 1,100L wheelie bins for small to medium businesses

  • Front lift bins – 1.5m³, 3.0m³, and 4.5m³ steel bins for high-volume cardboard users

  • Cardboard cages – ideal for bulky packaging in retail, logistics, and warehouses

Household Context

For households, cardboard recycling is usually collected via the yellow-lid bin provided by councils. Businesses, however, benefit from dedicated cardboard bins to save money and reduce contamination.

Business Benefits

  • Lower costs – cardboard bins are cheaper than general waste services

  • Space savings – flattened cardboard avoids overfilled bins

  • Sustainability – recycled cardboard is turned into new products

  • Custom solutions – from cafés to warehouses, bin sizes match your needs

Quick Reference

Accepted Not Accepted
Clean shipping boxes Wax-coated produce boxes
Paperboard packaging Coffee cups, freezer cartons
Flattened cartons Food-soiled or greasy boxes
Dry cardboard only Wet or contaminated cardboard

Best Practices Summary

  1. Flatten all cardboard before placing it in bins.

  2. Keep cardboard clean, dry, and free from contamination.

  3. Remove liners, plastics, or Styrofoam before recycling.

  4. Use cages or large bins if your site generates bulky volumes.

Conclusion: Keep It Clean, Keep It Simple

Cardboard recycling is one of the cheapest and easiest ways for businesses to cut waste costs. By following simple rules — flatten, keep dry, and avoid contamination — you’ll save money and support a more sustainable future.

👉 Check out Waster’s low-cost cardboard recycling bin options today in our online shop.

Download Now: Free PDF Business Owners Guide To Cardboard Recycling Bin Services