Cardboard is an incredibly versatile material. It’s great for all kinds of uses, and offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastics. Businesses in Sydney produce large volumes of cardboard waste every year and not all of it is recycled, to the detriment of the environment. This is why a dedicated cardboard recycling framework is essential for every business.
At Sydney City Rubbish, we work with businesses of all shapes and sizes, providing reliable and efficient cardboard removal services. We work in the Sydney CBD and surrounding areas, and our partnerships with large-scale recycling facilities allows us to provide sustainable solutions for cardboard recycling, and many other materials.
Recycling your cardboard comes with many fantastic benefits for your business and of course, the environment. The good news is that it’s also incredibly easy to make this happen, especially when you partner with a professional rubbish removal company. In this article we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of cardboard recycling for businesses in Sydney.
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How does cardboard recycling work?
The cardboard recycling process starts with having your waste collected. To make sure this is an efficient process, businesses should always separate cardboard waste from general rubbish. Once your cardboard has been collected, it is transported to recycling facilities, where it is sorted and cleaned to remove any contaminants like plastic or food residue.
The clean cardboard is then shredded, mixed with water, and processed into pulp. This pulp is used to create recycled cardboard packaging and other paper products, reducing the need for virgin materials. While recycling still produces some contaminants and needs water and energy, it’s a much more sustainable practice than dumping cardboard into landfills.
Cardboard removal and recycling solutions for businesses
Sydney businesses produce large volumes of cardboard waste, making professional cardboard removal services essential. According to the National Waste Report 2022, only 62% of paper and cardboard waste was actually recycled. While the majority of this material met a sustainable end, a huge portion of it did not.
At Sydney City Rubbish, we provide efficient cardboard disposal solutions tailored to commercial clients. Whether you run an office, retail store, or warehouse, our team ensures your cardboard waste is collected, transported, and processed responsibly. This allows you to make a significant contribution to better outcomes for recyclable materials.
The benefits of recycling your cardboard waste
There are virtually unlimited benefits to recycling your cardboard waste. For businesses, making sure that materials like cardboard are dealt with sustainably should be a priority. Doing so has a positive impact on the environment, can improve the reputation of your business, and lead to a safer workplace… among many other benefits.
Eliminates landfill waste
Choosing to recycle cardboard means businesses can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. This helps to lower waste management costs while also minimising environmental impact. Every business should be doing their part to eliminate landfill waste wherever possible, especially when materials can be recycled.
Promotes a circular economy
Recycling cardboard boxes contributes to a circular economy by keeping materials in use for as long as possible. Instead of being discarded, recycled cardboard is repurposed into new products, reducing reliance on raw materials. If possible, reusing your cardboard boxes is an even better outcome.
Conserves natural resources
Cardboard production relies on wood pulp from trees, along with water and energy produced by various sources. By choosing to use cardboard recycling services in Sydney, businesses help conserve forests and reduce the environmental footprint of paper production. Less natural resources used means a healthier ecosystem.
Reduces your carbon footprint
Producing recycled cardboard packaging requires significantly less energy and water than manufacturing new cardboard. This reduces carbon emissions and supports global sustainability efforts, which is now more important than ever before. As a business, you can make a small but meaningful contribution to eliminating emissions by choosing to recycle.
Supports an important industry
The recycling industry as a whole plays such an important role in creating a more sustainable future for everyone. By engaging in recycling cardboard, businesses help create jobs in waste management, processing, and manufacturing, supporting the local and national economy. At Sydney City Rubbish, we’re always happy to assist.
Improves your business reputation
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to customers and stakeholders. Demonstrating a commitment to cardboard disposal and environmental responsibility enhances your brand image and attracts eco-conscious clients. You can also couple your cardboard recycling efforts with composting, and regular rubbish removal services by an expert contractor.
Creates a safer workplace
Piles of cardboard waste can become a fire hazard and contribute to cluttered workspaces. Regular cardboard removal ensures a safer, more organised environment for employees and eliminates a wide range of risk factors, including trip and fall injuries and more. A safe workplace must be a priority for every Sydney business.
Where to recycle large volumes of cardboard in Sydney
Businesses in Sydney have several options for cardboard recycling in Sydney, including local recycling centres, council drop-off points, and hiring commercial waste removal services like Sydney City Rubbish. While it is possible to handle cardboard waste yourself, hiring an expert rubbish removal company to take your cardboard and make sure it is recycled at a proper facility is the easiest and most efficient outcome.
What cardboard items can be recycled?
Most clean and dry cardboard products can be processed by cardboard recyclers. Here are ten of the most common recyclable cardboard items:
- Corrugated cardboard boxes
- Office supply packaging
- Cereal boxes
- Paper towel rolls
- Shoeboxes
- Pizza boxes (if free from food residue)
- Mailing tubes
- Gift boxes
- Beverage carriers
- Egg cartons
Which cardboard items cannot be recycled?
While many types of cardboard can be recycled, some materials are unsuitable for processing due to contamination or special coatings. Here are ten common non-recyclable cardboard items:
- Wax-coated cardboard (e.g., some takeaway containers)
- Cardboard with food or grease stains
- Laminated cardboard
- Cardboard with plastic or foil linings
- Heavily dyed or glossy cardboard
- Soiled paper coffee cups
- Cardboard with glitter or embellishments
- Wet or mouldy cardboard
- Cardboard with adhesive labels that cannot be removed
- Cardboard bound with non-recyclable materials like metal or plastic
Get a free quote for cardboard disposal today
If your business is looking for a reliable solution for cardboard recycling in Sydney, our team of waste management specialists is here to help. We provide efficient cardboard disposal services that ensure that your waste is collected, sorted, and recycled responsibly. And we’re all about tailored solutions, so we’ll provide you with a service that best suits your business.
Speak to a rubbish removal expert today.
FAQs about cardboard recycling processes
Are all cardboard boxes recyclable?
Most cardboard boxes are recyclable, provided they are clean and free from contamination such as grease, food, or plastic coatings.
Where can I take cardboard to be recycled?
Cardboard can be taken to local recycling centres, council collection points, or professional cardboard recycling Sydney services like Sydney City Rubbish.
Where to dispose of cardboard boxes?
Businesses and individuals can dispose of cardboard boxes through kerbside recycling bins, designated recycling facilities, or commercial cardboard removal services.
Can I recycle wet cardboard?
Wet cardboard is difficult to recycle as it weakens the fibres and can lead to contamination in recycling batches. It is best to keep cardboard dry before disposal.
Can you recycle waxed cardboard?
No, waxed cardboard cannot be recycled, but it can be composted in certain conditions.
What are the best ways to reuse cardboard at home?
There are so many great ways to reuse cardboard at home. You can use boxes for continued storage and organisation, make craft projects with your kids, use it to protect fragile items, make a weed barrier, and so much more. Find out how to reuse cardboard in the office here.
