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Recycling Costs for Cardboard in 2025

Cardboard is one of the cheapest and most effective waste streams to recycle, especially for businesses that generate large volumes of packaging. In 2025, cardboard recycling remains a low-cost service compared to general waste, helping businesses cut disposal expenses while improving sustainability.

✅ Why Cardboard Recycling Is Cost-Effective

  • Lower disposal fees – cardboard recycling costs significantly less per bin than general waste.

  • Reduced landfill charges – recycling diverts bulky cardboard away from expensive landfill streams.

  • High recovery value – cardboard is easily recycled into new paper products, making it cheaper to process.

  • Volume savings – flattened cardboard takes up less space, reducing the number of bin collections needed.

❌ What Affects Costs

  • Contamination – greasy or wet cardboard can’t be recycled and may increase disposal fees.

  • Incorrect use – putting general waste into a cardboard bin can lead to contamination charges.

  • Small bins vs. large bins – smaller bins can be more expensive per cubic metre than larger ones.

  • Collection frequency – more frequent collections increase overall service costs.

Average Cardboard Recycling Costs in 2025

While exact prices vary by region and contract, cardboard recycling typically costs considerably less than general waste services. For most businesses, bins dedicated to cardboard are one of the most affordable waste options available.

  • 2m³–3m³ bins – cost-effective for small offices and retail.

  • 4.5m³–10m³ bins – best value for warehouses, distribution centres, and large retailers.

  • Front-lift bins – ideal for ongoing high-volume collections at lower per-collection costs.

Household Context

Households don’t pay directly for cardboard recycling — it’s included in council-provided yellow-lid recycling bins. The costs apply mainly to business cardboard recycling services.

Business Benefits

  • Save money – cardboard bins reduce reliance on general waste bins, lowering costs.

  • Free up space – flattening and recycling cardboard avoids overflowing bins.

  • Sustainability credentials – demonstrate environmental responsibility to staff and customers.

  • Scalable solutions – from cafés and retailers to warehouses and logistics companies.

Quick Reference

Cost Savers Cost Risks
Clean, flattened cardboard Contamination with food or plastic
Using larger bins for efficiency Overfilling bins or excess pickups
Regular cardboard-only bins Putting general waste in cardboard bins

Best Practices Summary

  1. Keep cardboard clean, dry, and flattened.

  2. Use the right bin size for your waste volumes.

  3. Avoid contamination — no food, grease, or plastics.

  4. Check Waster’s online shop for current 2025 pricing.

Conclusion: Cardboard Recycling Remains the Smart Choice

In 2025, cardboard recycling continues to be one of the most cost-effective waste streams for businesses. By keeping bins clean and free from contamination, you’ll save money, reduce landfill waste, and support a circular economy.

👉 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