--- title: Why Cardboard Recycling Is Cheaper Than General Waste description: Cardboard recycling is cheaper than general waste because it avoids landfill levies and has recycling value. Learn how your business can save. --- [Skip to content](https://help.waster.com.au/why-cardboard-recycling-is-cheaper-than-general-waste#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) # Why Cardboard Recycling Is Cheaper Than General Waste ## Businesses often notice that cardboard recycling services cost less than general waste disposal. The reason is simple: cardboard is a valuable recyclable resource, while general waste usually goes to landfill with high disposal fees. By separating cardboard from general waste, businesses can save money and boost sustainability. #### βœ… Why Cardboard Recycling Costs Less - **Recyclable value** – cardboard has strong resale and reprocessing value, reducing disposal costs. - **Lower landfill charges** – general waste attracts high landfill levies, while cardboard avoids these costs. - **Bulk efficiency** – flattened cardboard is lightweight and easy to compact, making collections cheaper per bin. - **Cleaner stream** – dedicated cardboard bins reduce contamination, lowering processing costs. --- #### ❌ Why General Waste Costs More - **Landfill levies** – governments impose landfill taxes to encourage recycling, making disposal more expensive. - **Heavy and mixed waste** – food scraps, plastics, and rubbish are costly to transport and process. - **No resale value** – general waste has no recovery benefit, so all costs fall on disposal. - **Contamination risk** – if recyclables are mixed in, they are lost to landfill, wasting resources. --- #### Household Context For households, the difference is less obvious because council rates cover both recycling and general waste. For businesses, however, separating cardboard into its own bin is one of the **easiest ways to cut waste costs**. --- #### Business Benefits - **Lower bills** – cardboard bins are cheaper per collection than general waste. - **Less landfill** – reduces environmental impact and disposal charges. - **Better sustainability reporting** – show customers and staff you recycle responsibly. - **More efficient operations** – flattened cardboard reduces storage and collection frequency. --- #### Quick Reference | **Cardboard Recycling** | **General Waste** | | --- | --- | | Low-cost service | Higher disposal fees | | Valuable recyclable material | No recovery value | | Lightweight, easy to handle | Heavy, mixed waste | | Avoids landfill levies | Subject to landfill charges | --- #### Best Practices Summary 1. Always flatten cardboard before placing in bins. 2. Keep cardboard clean and dry to avoid contamination. 3. Use dedicated cardboard bins to reduce general waste costs. 4. Work with Waster to set the right bin size and frequency. --- #### Conclusion: Savings Through Recycling Cardboard recycling is cheaper than general waste because it avoids landfill charges and has recycling value. 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