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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 — and how to handle the items that don’t belong.

✅ 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 — 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 — 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. By keeping these items out, you’ll protect recycling streams from contamination and ensure more clean cardboard gets a second life.

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