As more and more companies strive to reduce their environmental impact, many are turning to corrugated cardboard recycling as a way to reduce waste and go green.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at the process of corrugated cardboard recycling and provide some tips on how your company can get started.
What is Corrugated Cardboard Recycling?
Corrugated cardboard is a type of strong, durable cardboard that is commonly used for packaging and shipping. It is made up of three layers: an inner layer of fluted corrugated paper sandwiched between two outer layers of flat paper. This type of cardboard is typically used for boxes and other shipping materials.
When corrugated cardboard is recycled, it is first broken down into its component parts, which are then separated and processed into new materials, such as paper pulp, cardboard sheets, and other paper products. The product is then sent for reuse in various industries, such as packaging and paper manufacturing.
The Benefits of Recycling Corrugated Cardboard
There are several benefits to recycling corrugated cardboard, including:
Reducing Waste
By recycling your company’s corrugated cardboard, you can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. This means less waste overall and a smaller environmental footprint.
Cost Savings
Recycling corrugated cardboard can help save your company money by reducing the cost of buying new materials and disposal fees for landfill use.
Environmental Sustainability
You can help reduce carbon emissions and conserve energy by reducing the need for new material production. In addition, recycling corrugated cardboard can help conserve natural resources and reduce the strain on our planet’s limited resources.
How Does Corrugated Cardboard Recycling Work?
Recycling corrugated cardboard is a great way for your company to go green, but it can seem like a lot of work. The process of corrugated cardboard recycling typically involves the following steps:
- Collection: Corrugated cardboard is collected from businesses and households and transported to a recycling facility.
- Sorting: The collected cardboard is sorted into different grades and types.
- Shredding: The sorted cardboard is then shredded into small pieces, typically using a shredder or grinder.
- Pulping: The shredded cardboard is mixed with water and chemicals to create a slurry.
- Cleaning: The slurry is cleaned and refined to remove any impurities.
- Drying: The cleaned slurry is then dried and formed into sheets of recycled paper.
- Manufacturing: The recycled paper is then used to make new products such as cardboard boxes, paper bags, and other packaging materials.
To simplify the process, companies can take advantage of cardboard recycling programs offered by third-party vendors, like Generated Materials Recovery. These providers collect, sort, and handle the entire recycling process for you, with some even providing incentives and discounts for participating.
Getting Started on Recycling Corrugated Cardboard
If your company is interested in starting a corrugated cardboard recycling program, there are a few steps you can take:
- Research local companies that recycle cardboard – Contact your local recycling centers to find out what services they offer. Know what grades and types of cardboard they accept, as well as the requirements for pickup and delivery.
- Set up a collection system – You can either haul the cardboard yourself or hire a company to pick it up and transport it to the recycling facility. You can also set up a designated area in your facility where employees can deposit the cardboard for collection.
- Get educated on proper recycling techniques – Educate yourself and your employees on the best ways to recycle corrugated cardboard, such as flattening boxes before depositing them in collection bins.
- Train your staff – Make sure that all of your staff are properly trained on the recycling process and understand what types of cardboard can be recycled.
- Adopt a consistent recycling policy – Establish a policy that outlines all of your company’s recycling processes and ensures that all employees understand and follow it.
If your company is looking to reduce waste and become more environmentally friendly, recycling corrugated cardboard is a great place to start. Recycling cardboard can have a real impact on reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Generated Materials Recovery can help you get started with recycling so that your company can make a difference.
Recycle Corrugated Cardboard Through Generated Materials Recovery
Generated Materials Recovery (GMR) is a full-service recycling and waste management provider that can help your company go green by providing comprehensive corrugated cardboard recycling services.
We provide pickup and delivery services, as well as sorting, shredding, and manufacturing of recycled materials. Our team will work with you to create a customized plan for your company’s recycling needs.
Don’t wait to start your corrugated cardboard recycling program. Contact Generated Materials Recovery today and get a free quote on our commercial cardboard recycling services. We can help you get started on the path toward sustainability, cost savings, and environmental responsibility.
