The History of Cardboard Recycling: From Waste to Resource
Cardboard recycling is a process that has been around for over a century, and it has played a crucial role in reducing solid waste and conserving natural resources. The recycling of corrugated cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, and pizza boxes has a significant impact on the environment. It even saves more than nine cubic yards of landfill space per ton of recycled cardboard.
Cardboard Recycling History
The history of cardboard recycling dates back to the 19th century, when paper mills began to recycle paper to save on raw materials. However, it was not until the 1970s and 1980s that cardboard recycling became more widespread in the United States. This was due to a growing awareness of the environmental benefits of recycling and an increase in the number of recycling programs across the country.
Corrugated Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard boxes are one of the most commonly recycled type of cardboard products. These boxes are made from layers of paper, with a wavy inner layer called corrugate that gives the box strength and rigidity. Corrugated cardboard is used to make a variety of packaging materials, including boxes for shipping, moving, and storage.
What Are The Advantages Of Recycling Corrugated Cardboard?
The recycling of corrugated cardboard boxes saves a significant amount of energy and resources. When a ton of virgin cardboard is used to make new boxes, it requires the cutting down of 17 trees, while recycling a ton of cardboard saves 17 trees and uses 74% less energy than producing new cardboard. Additionally, recycling a ton of cardboard also saves 7,000 gallons of water and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by over 3.3 tons.
Common Cardboard Products
Cereal boxes and pizza boxes are also commonly recycled. These boxes are made from a type of cardboard called chipboard, which is made from small pieces of wood that have been glued together. Chipboard is used to make a variety of paper products, including cereal boxes and pizza boxes.
Recycling cereal and pizza boxes also has significant environmental benefits. For every ton of recycled fiber used, it saves 3 cubic yards of landfill space, and reduces pollution and conserves raw materials.
How Can We Increase Recycling Rates?
Despite the high recycling rate of cardboard products, there is still room for improvement. Many people still throw away cardboard products, instead of recycling them. Additionally, some recycling programs do not accept certain types of cardboard, such as products that have food residue on them. We can increase recycling rates by making sure to segregate materials correctly and clean items of food contamination.
We Recycle Cardboard Waste
At Plastic Expert we recycle bulk loads of cardboard waste for businesses in the UK. Whether you are in retail, manufacturing, or hospitality, we have you covered. Our team has experience recycling a range of cardboard products including baled packaging. Get in touch with your quantity and location of waste and we can arrange a collection in no time. Your waste will then be transported to our licensed facilities for repurposing into new products.
