The fibre in cardboard has already been processed so recycling it saves large amounts of water (up to 99% less) and energy (up to 50% less) and reduces the need for virgin fibre from trees. It also produces up to 90% less by-products such as chemical wastes.
Each kg of cardboard recycled saves up to 1kg of greenhouse gases – and helps create local jobs.
Australia currently uses around 3.5 million tonnes of paper and cardboard (~16 000 large semi-trailers) but only recycles about half of that.
More than 80% of Australia’s paper and cardboard packaging is made from recycled fibre. Recycled cardboard can also be made into sound-proofing material, insulation and even furniture.
Worth Doing
If you buy cardboard products, ask your supplier for options that are recycled, use the minimum of materials and/or can be returned for reuse.
Ask around – other local businesses or community groups may be able to use your cardboard.
Keep your cardboard as clean as possible – take off any plastics or polystyrene.
The best way to recycle cardboard depend on how much you have. The Recycle @ Work Hotline on 1800 819 000 can give you advice and contacts on which service would be best for your business.
If you have a very large amount, your cardboard should be baled or compacted for professional collection. The Recycle @ Work hotline can give you information and contacts.
Medium sized amounts can be collected in wool sacks or metal cages which can be provided by the collection service.
Small amounts can now be collected from many areas via a cardboard-only “wheely” bin.
If you only have a very small amount of cardboard (eg only a few boxes a week) you might like to consider these options:
Flatten the boxes and then take them to your closest drop-off centre. Call our 1800 819 000 hotline for information locations.
Another business nearby may have a cardboard collection service that you could participate in. (In most cases these services charge for each collection, not the amount of waste, so they won’t have to pay any more if you have added a little to a less-than-full load).
If there is no facility for collecting cardboard in your area, contact your local council for more information or to make a request that a service be provided.
For more information contact the
Recycle @ Work Hotline on 1800 819 000.
