--- title: Wax-Coated and Plastic-Lined Cardboard Recycling description: Wax-coated and plastic-lined cardboard can’t go in regular recycling. Learn what to do with them and how to keep your cardboard recycling clean. --- [Skip to content](https://help.waster.com.au/wax-coated-and-plastic-lined-cardboard-recycling#main-content) [![Waster-smart-businesses-1](https://help.waster.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Waster-smart-businesses-1.webp?width=139&height=70&name=Waster-smart-businesses-1.webp)](https://waster.com.au/) - [Online Pricing!](https://waster.com.au/waste-recycling-shop/) - [Blog](https://waster.com.au/waste-management-blog/) - [Contact](https://waster.com.au/waste-recycling-rubbish-contact/) - [Help](https://help.waster.com.au/) - [Partners](https://waster.com.au/partner-with-waster/) - [Waster App](https://waster.app/) - 1300 927 837 Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Online Pricing!](https://waster.com.au/waste-recycling-shop/) - [Blog](https://waster.com.au/waste-management-blog/) - [Contact](https://waster.com.au/waste-recycling-rubbish-contact/) - [Help](https://help.waster.com.au/) - [Partners](https://waster.com.au/partner-with-waster/) - [Waster App](https://waster.app/) - 1300 927 837 How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Waster Help Centre](https://help.waster.com.au/?hsLang=en-au) 2. [♻️ Recycling & Waste Streams](https://help.waster.com.au/%EF%B8%8F-recycling-waste-streams?hsLang=en-au) 3. [πŸ“¦ Cardboard & Paper](https://help.waster.com.au/%EF%B8%8F-recycling-waste-streams?hsLang=en-au#cardboard-paper) # Wax-Coated and Plastic-Lined Cardboard Recycling ## Not all cardboard is created equal. While clean, plain cardboard is highly recyclable, wax-coated and plastic-lined cardboard is much trickier. This guide explains what can and can’t go in your cardboard recycling bin β€” and how to handle the items that don’t belong. #### βœ… What Can Go in the Cardboard Recycling Bin - **Plain, uncoated cardboard** – moving boxes, shipping cartons, office packaging - **Dry food packaging** (e.g. cereal boxes, shoe boxes) – if free from liners and coatings - **Flattened cardboard sheets** – always flatten to save space and improve collection --- #### ❌ What Can’t Go in the Cardboard Recycling Bin - **Wax-coated cardboard** – commonly used for produce boxes (fruits, vegetables, seafood). The wax coating prevents the fibres from being recycled. - **Plastic-lined cardboard** – coffee cups, freezer boxes, juice/milk cartons, takeaway containers with a shiny plastic layer. - **Food-contaminated cardboard** – pizza boxes, greasy packaging, boxes with liquid stains. - **Wet cardboard** – moisture damages the fibres and stops recycling. --- #### Household Tips - Tear a small section β€” **if it feels waxy or peels with a plastic layer, it’s not recyclable**. - Reuse waxed produce boxes for storage or moving instead of binning them. - Place coffee cups and other plastic-lined packaging in the general waste bin unless your council offers a dedicated collection scheme. - Keep all recyclables dry β€” store cardboard indoors or under cover. --- #### Business Tips - Train staff to **separate waxed and lined cardboard** from clean cardboard. - Speak to suppliers about alternatives to wax-coated cartons, such as recyclable or compostable options. - For high volumes (e.g. hospitality or retail), consider a **separate collection service** for cartons and cups if available. - Always flatten and bundle clean cardboard for recycling. --- #### Quick Reference | **Accepted** | **Not Accepted** | | --- | --- | | Plain shipping cartons | Wax-coated produce boxes | | Cereal boxes (liners removed) | Coffee cups & freezer boxes | | Clean, dry cardboard | Plastic-lined juice/milk cartons | | Flattened cartons | Food-soiled or wet cardboard | --- #### Best Practices Summary 1. Only recycle clean, dry, uncoated cardboard. 2. Wax-coated and plastic-lined cardboard must go to general waste unless a specialised program exists. 3. Flatten boxes to save bin space. 4. Businesses should educate staff and suppliers to reduce contamination. --- #### Conclusion: Smarter Cardboard Recycling Wax-coated and plastic-lined cardboard look like regular cardboard, but they don’t belong in your recycling bin. 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