Cardboard Recycling Guide for Businesses

British business landscape is evolving and sustainability has become more than just a buzzword – it’s a crucial responsibility. One of the simplest yet most impactful steps a business in the UK can take to reduce its environmental footprint is by efficiently recycling cardboard.

Whether you manage a small office or a large industrial facility in the UK, properly managing your cardboard waste can lead to significant financial savings and a meaningful reduction in your carbon footprint. Here at Landfill Alternatives we’ll walk you through the steps to effectively recycle cardboard, explore the benefits for your business, and highlight the equipment that can streamline the process.

Why Should Your Business Recycle Cardboard?

Recycling cardboard isn’t just good for the environment; it’s good for your bottom line too. By recycling, businesses can:

• Save Money: Reducing waste disposal costs by baling and recycling cardboard rather than sending it to landfill.
• Improve Space Utilisation: Balers can reduce the volume of cardboard by up to 90%, allowing you to utilise your storage space more effectively.
• Enhance Your Corporate Reputation: Demonstrating your environmental commitment can improve public perception and build trust with your customers.

Can All Cardboard Be Recycled?

Most types of cardboard are recyclable, but there are a few exceptions to be aware of:

• Waxed or Greasy Cardboard: Cardboard heavily contaminated with food residue, grease, or oil cannot typically be recycled through curbside programmes. However, specialised facilities may accept these items.
• Wet Cardboard: Cardboard that has been soaked loses its structural integrity and becomes challenging to process. It’s best to dry it before recycling, if possible.
• Cardboard with Metallic Linings: Items like some food packaging may contain metallic linings, which can complicate the recycling process. Check with your local recycling guidelines.
• Composite Cardboard: Some cardboard combines layers with materials like plastic film. Not all recycling facilities can handle these, so it’s important to verify what is accepted locally.
• Waxed Card or Paper: Cardboard or paper lined with polyethylene to provide water-resistant properties, also known as waxed card or paper, is generally not recyclable due to the plastic layer being a contaminant.
• Cardboard with Decorative Elements: Any paper-based materials covered with glitter, fabric, or metallic sequins cannot be recycled due to these contaminants

If you are unsure whether your cardboard can be recycled, please get in touch or send us some photos so we can advise you. Contact us here.

The Basics of Cardboard Recycling

Cardboard is one of the easiest materials to recycle, but getting started requires a bit of planning. Here are a few steps to help you set up an effective recycling programme:

1. Assess Your Cardboard Waste: Understand the volume of cardboard your business produces. This will help you determine the equipment that suits your needs best.
2. Separate and Prepare the Cardboard: Make sure to flatten the boxes and remove any non-recyclable materials such as plastic linings or Styrofoam inserts.
3. Use the Right Equipment: The key to efficient recycling is having the right machinery to process the cardboard effectively. Investing in baling machines can streamline the entire recycling process.

Advanced Cardboard Recycling Tips

To become a true cardboard recycling champion, consider these additional tips:

• Compost Small Cardboard Scraps: If your business has clean, small cardboard scraps, consider composting them. Shredded cardboard can be a great addition to compost, aiding the decomposition process.
• Reuse Where Possible: Before recycling, try to reuse boxes for storage or shipping. Cardboard can also be used for creative projects, temporary furniture, or crafting purposes.
• Create Your Own Packing Materials: High-quality cardboard shredders can save your business money by converting cardboard waste into packing material, which is ideal for businesses that frequently ship products.
• Spread Awareness: Talk to your employees and clients about the importance of recycling and share tips to make it easier. Greater awareness often leads to better recycling habits across the board.

Cardboard Balers – The Key to Efficient Cardboard Recycling

One of the most effective ways to manage cardboard waste is by using a baler. Cardboard balers compress large volumes of cardboard into compact bales, making storage and transportation easier and more cost-effective. For businesses, this is an ideal solution to reduce waste collection costs and maximise the recycling value of the cardboard.

Landfill Alternatives offers a variety of cardboard balers that are suitable for different business needs. Here are a few options that might fit your business requirements:

Can you also add in here about the LFA 51 and 151 as these 2 machines will use the 9mm baler banding as spoken about below

• Vertical Baler LFA 500 HD: Ideal for businesses generating medium to large volumes of cardboard. The LFA 500 HD is compact and easy to use, perfect for warehouses or distribution centres looking to reduce their waste management footprint.
• Horizontal Baler LFA 450 H FE PC: If your business produces large quantities of cardboard waste regularly, the LFA 450 H FE PC is a highly efficient solution. This automatic horizontal baler is perfect for larger commercial operations where time and efficiency are of the essence.
• Vertical Baler LFA 51: A versatile and efficient baler designed for businesses producing smaller volumes of recyclable material. The LFA 51 uses 9mm baler banding, making it a cost-effective and convenient choice for compacting cardboard waste.
• Vertical Baler LFA 151: With a slightly larger capacity, the LFA 151 is ideal for businesses managing moderate volumes of cardboard waste. It also utilises 9mm baler banding, ensuring secure bales that are easy to handle and transport.

Essential Consumables for Cardboard Baling

To maximise the efficiency of your cardboard recycling system, you need high-quality consumables. Landfill Alternatives provides all the essentials for your balers:

• Baler Wire (Cut & Loop): Strong and reliable, ensuring your bales are held securely during storage and transport.
• Baler Banding (9mm): High-quality banding to help keep cardboard bales tightly compressed and easy to handle.

The Benefits of Using Cardboard Balers for Recycling

Using balers for recycling offers numerous benefits for businesses:

• Reduced Waste Collection Costs: Cardboard bales occupy significantly less space than loose cardboard, which means fewer collections and lower disposal costs.
• Revenue Opportunities: Cardboard bales are more valuable to recycling companies, and some businesses can generate additional income by selling bales directly to recyclers.
• Improved Safety and Tidiness: Balers keep waste cardboard organised, reducing clutter and ensuring a safer working environment.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: Baling or shredding cardboard on-site reduces the number of bins required, which in turn minimises the frequency of collections and the associated carbon emissions from transport vehicles.

How Much Is Cardboard Worth in the UK?

Globally, there is an increasing focus on adopting processes that support the circular economy – a model that encourages materials to be reused, remade, and recycled for as long as possible. This approach is seen as crucial in promoting eco-friendly business practices.

For businesses generating substantial volumes of cardboard waste, baling the material on-site can create an additional revenue stream. In 2022, the price of cardboard in the UK was around £60–£150 per tonne. However, prices can fluctuate widely over time. The exact value varies depending on factors such as the quality of the cardboard, your location, and the season.

Recycling companies generally prefer baled cardboard for easier collection and processing. For businesses interested in starting out with cardboard recycling, renting a baler can be an economical way to avoid the upfront cost of purchasing one outright.

Ready to Start Recycling Cardboard?

If you’re looking to set up a cardboard recycling programme or want to streamline your current system, using the right baler is key. Cardboard balers from Landfill Alternatives offer a range of solutions to suit every business need, from small shops to large industrial facilities.

Get in touch with us to discuss how we can help you improve your waste management strategy and reduce your environmental impact. Together, we can help your business save money, increase efficiency, and contribute to a greener future.

Contact us today to learn more about our cardboard waste solutions!