- Last Update: October 15, 2024
- Key Takeaways
- 3,802,000 tons of paper and cardboard packaging are recycled annually
- The UK generates the most cardboard waste in Europe, followed by Germany and France
- The Cardboard Recycling market is estimated to expand at an unexpected CAGR from 2024 to 2030
Cardboard Recycling Facts 2024
3,802,000 tons of paper and cardboard packaging are recycled annually in the UK. Whilst we generate the most cardboard waste in Europe, followed by Germany and France, it is essential we are recycling all of the materials where possible.
In this article, we have explored some key cardboard recycling facts and statistics for 2024, presenting volumes recycled, quantities of waste and the importance of sustainable disposal solutions.
Cardboard is the Most Recycled Material in the UK
Of the 12.5 million tonnes of paper and cardboard used in the UK annually, 45% is recycled. Cardboard is in fact the most recycled material in the country. Corrugated cardboard (the type of cardboard mostly used in packaging) is the number one recycled material within this category.
But to prevent paper and cardboard from overwhelming landfill every year, we can easily take cardboard products to recycling facilities instead. As a business who cares about their carbon footprint, this is a great way to keep your emissions total down. Your cardboard waste can then be used for new purposes once it’s been taken through the cardboard recycling process.
About 3 Million Tonnes of Cardboard Is Composted Each Year In The UK
Cardboard Makes Up the Majority of Shipping Material
Up to 90% of all products around the world are shipped in cardboard packaging materials. It’s a good way to reduce wastefulness within a business, thanks to cardboard’s often recycled nature, and it prevents more microplastics from being released into the environment.
Furthermore, as a company that needs to have both aesthetic and functional packaging for all products, using cardboard is a great way to keep both your costs and shipping emissions down. It can easily be recycled by the end customer, and it helps to maintain fuel efficiency during transport due to its lightweight nature.
Cardboard Recycling is Energy Efficient
Cardboard, as a product made up of paper fibres extracted from trees, is one of the most recyclable materials on the planet. And when it comes to taking an environmentally friendly approach to waste management, recycling cardboard is far more energy efficient than cutting down and processing new cardboard.
And that’s one of the biggest benefits of recycling you need to know about. Upwards of 70% of the total energy used in original cardboard production is saved when you’re recycling and reusing old cardboard. It can then be baled, broken down, and mixed with water to make new, useful pulp. In fact, every ton of recycled cardboard saves 9 cubic yards of landfill space!
Recycled Cardboard is Very Valuable
One last fact to finish off: Recycled cardboard can be very valuable. When you recycle your waste cardboard as a company, bulk loads can profit you in the long run. When working with a reliable waste management service, this bulk volume can be taken away and sold, which is a good way to balance out your revenue stream. You can easily compact and manage your waste materials by purchasing a cardboard baler.
A company can get anywhere between £20-£140 per tonne of cardboard waste when they’re selling by bulk volume. However, even as this price fluctuates, the more you sell to waste companies, the more likely you are to get rebates. Please note that the value your business may receive for cardboard bales takes into account haulage costs & other factors like the overall weight and quality.
