The Best Ways to Recycle Cardboard

Cardboard tubes, like other cardboard materials, are a significant part of the paper and cardboard recycling category. Proper recycling not only ensures the environmental impact is minimized but also provides useful DIY and organizational solutions for everyday life. This article will guide you through the process of recycling cardboard and cardboard tubes, exploring both the benefits and the different methods available.

Recycling Cardboard Tubes

Cardboard tubes, such as those from toilet paper or paper towels, belong to the same category as other cardboard materials and can be recycled upon cleaning and removing food residue. The process is simple and straightforward:

Thoroughly clean the cardboard tube to ensure it is free from any contaminants, such as food residue. Follow local recycling guidelines and instructions. Place the cleaned cardboard tubes into the recycling bin.

Not only can you recycle these cardboard tubes, but you can also reuse them for various DIY projects or organizational needs. Repurpose them for storing small items like pens, cables, or gardening tools, or even start a small indoor plant on them!

Recycling Cardboard

Recycling cardboard involves a process where the material is compacted and squashed into bales. Cardboard tubes and regular cardboard boxes follow a similar recycling process:

Use a knife or scissors to cut any tape used to seal the top and/or bottom of the box, then collapse the box. Flatten the box for easier storage and transportation. For large boxes that contained big items, fold or cut the flattened box in half to fit it into your recycling cart. Some recycling programs allow you to set large boxes next to the cart but avoid doing so if it's raining, as wet cardboard doesn't have a recycling market. For food-soiled cardboard, such as pizza boxes, cut out any oil stains before recycling. Food-soiled paper is not accepted in recycling programs.

Understanding Cardboard Types

The term “cardboard” is often used to describe most boxes, but there are different types of cardboard with distinct properties. Shipping boxes, known as corrugated cardboard, have an extra layer of fiber that zig-zags between the brown sheets, making them tougher to tear and sturdier for shipping. Cardboard boxes used for cereal are typically thinner and less durable.

These are two different grades of paper with different commodity values, even though you might call them both cardboard. During the paper recycling process, water is introduced, which manipulates the fibers, making the paper feel stiffer. Additionally, recycling mills prefer dry paper, as damp paper can weigh more because of the added water content, affecting transportation costs and efficiency.

Understanding the different types of cardboard and the recycling process is crucial for effective waste management. By following these guidelines, you can contribute to a more sustainable environment while also reusing materials for practical purposes in your home.