Erich Lawson
You have seen and used cardboard several times. But do you know what it is made of? This popular and durable packaging material is made from tree pulp, usually from pine trees. Thus, you can guess that one of the primary benefits of cardboard recycling is that it promotes sustainability by saving trees. It takes several tons of trees to manufacture a single ton of new cardboard. Imagine the consequences for the planet if individuals and corporates do not prioritize cardboard waste recycling.
Various business benefits from cardboard recycling, such as cardboard waste management, generation of job opportunities, and saving energy expenses, also exist. So let’s understand different types of cardboard, how to recycle them, and other benefits of cardboard recycling.
What are the Main Types of Cardboard?
There are 2 main types of cardboards:
Corrugated Cardboard
It is used to make brown packaging boxes. It is used for relocation packing, electronics packaging, and a wide range of goods that need strong and long-lasting packaging. The inner layer of corrugated cardboard is wavy between liner sheets which are responsible for its being thick and durable.
Paperboard/Chipboard Cardboard
Paperboards are single-layer cardboards that come in grey color. It is not as robust as corrugated cardboard. Therefore it is used to pack lighter items such as cereals, shoes, and other daily use, light-weight stuff. Although, chipboard is not as sturdy as corrugated, both types of cardboards are recyclable.
What is the Process of Cardboard Recycling?
Here is a short description of the step-by-step process of cardboard waste recycling.
#1: Drop-off the Waste
The first step toward recycling is to drop the waste in the curbside container or at the recycling facility. The rules for accepting waste differ from facility to facility. For instance, some recycling centers take pizza boxes with grease stains, but some don’t. It’s advisable to enquire about your local recycling center and the district rules.
#2: Sorting by the Recycling Facility
This step involves sorting cardboard from the paper, glass, metal, and plastic at the recycling facility. Cardboard waste can be contaminated by these elements despite being thrown in separate containers. Most centers use conveyor belts, fans, and gravity in a sequence for sorting. Some do manual sorting as well.
#3: Soaking
The collected cardboard is baled and soaked in a chemical water bath. The ink from the cardboard is removed. And the pure and natural colored pulp is ready to move for further process.
#4: Final Screening
A final screening is conducted on the cardboard waste to remove the glues, tape, staple pins, etc. The metal and other ingredients captured during this final screening are either deposited in a landfill or the metal recycling bin. This pulp is ready to move for further process.
#5: Creating Linerboard
Linerboard is the final product of cardboard recycling. It is made by adding virgin paper to the pulp of the recycled cardboard and drying this mixture thoroughly on a conveyer belt or table. Finally, it is given a shape that is suitable for creating fresh cardboard boxes.
In What Circumstances You Can’t Recycle Cardboard?
The rule differs from facility to facility. But some of the common occasions when you can’t recycle cardboard are the following:-
- Produce boxes with wax coatings, such as milk and juice containers.
- A pizza box and other food take-out containers due to grease.
- Some collectors may refuse wet cardboard as the moisture depletes cardboard fibers, making it less valuable for recycling.
The good news is that the cardboard which you can’t recycle can be used as:-
- Mulch for weed control
- Compost pile
- Reuse boxes for shipping and storage
- Garden beds
What are the Environmental Benefits of Recycling Cardboard?
Sustainability is the goal of many woke citizens and organizations of the world because of the growing concern about global warming. Cardboard waste recycling aids significantly in achieving the goal of sustainability in the following ways:-
- Conserving Water:Each ton of recycled cardboard saves 7,000 gallons of water as 80% less water is used when you use recycled material instead of virgin fiber.
- Saving Landfill Space:Many landfill space accommodates cardboard waste as it is one of the most widespread packaging materials. You can save a lot of landfill space by recycling cardboard in maximum quantities.
- Reducing Greenhouse Gases: Cardboard decomposes organically as it is biodegradable. However, its decomposition releases harmful gases like CO2. Thus, the more cardboard waste is recycled, the less CO2 is released into the environment.
- Preserving Resources: Natural resources like fuel, oil, energy, water, etc., are spent on manufacturing new cardboard. Whereas recycling cardboard can save a significant amount of these resources.
- Protecting Forest: Deforestation is the leading cause of global warming. You save 12-31 trees on every 1 ton of recycled cardboard paper.
Take Your First Step Towards Sustainability Now
Depending on your size of operations, you can decide upon obtaining a recycling unit or contact a waste collector to collect the waste from you to the recycling center or locate a nearby curbside pickup. Check the rules and regulations in your city and district regarding recycling in either case.