Here at Business Waste, we know how important it is to recycle just about anything we can. From electronic goods, right through to food, nearly everything can be recycled or reused – and the same goes for cardboard.
But first, some facts:
By simply recycling one tonne of cardboard you can save:
- 390kWh hours of electricity.
- 209 litres of oil.
- 6 million Btu’s of energy.
- 9 cubic yards of landfill space.
What’s more, recycling cardboard takes up 24 per cent less energy and produces 50 per cent less sulphur dioxide than making cardboard from raw materials.
Cardboard recycling tips
Although the recycling of paper, glass and plastic tends to be more popular around the home, it is of course important that we also recycle cardboard, and doing so can be relatively straight forward and easy.
Whether you’re at home or at work, here are some easy cardboard recycling tips:
- The best way to ensure that your cardboard is ready for recycling is by removing all other materials from it, such as polystyrene and other packaging.
- If you happen to have a lot of cardboard to recycle, you can always break it down to save storage space.
- If anything, store other pieces of cardboard in the largest cardboard box that you might have.
- Always keep your unwanted cardboard away from other forms of recycling and waste.
- Cardboard can get wet and still be recycled, but it is best to keep it dry, as it will be more difficult to carry due to the extra weight of the water.
Reusing cardboard
Of course, not all recycling has to be recycled, as it can also be reused, both in the workplace and at home.
For instance, cardboard boxes (quite obviously), are great for storage use.
Although we don’t want great brown cardboard boxes dotted around the place, there’s no reason why they can’t be spruced up with some paint or incorporated into some sort of art project.
This could be especially great if you have children.
Also, if you’re moving house any time soon, or a friend or family member is, there’s nothing better than a donation of cardboard boxes when the moving van comes a’ rolling.
