Cardboard Box Waste and Recycling in the United States

January 20, 2023

Cardboard Box Recycling Industry

The United States relies heavily on cardboard box recycling to manage waste and conserve natural resources. As well as reducing waste going to landfills, recycling cardboard boxes has a positive impact on the environment.

Recycling cardboard boxes reduces landfill waste, which is one of its main benefits. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), paper and paperboard products, including cardboard, make up the largest portion of municipal solid waste (MSW) at 26.8%. However, the recycling rate for paper and paperboard products is at an all-time high of 69.1%, with cardboard making up a large portion of this number. This means that out of the total amount of cardboard waste generated, almost 70% is being recycled, which is a significant achievement in waste reduction.

Cardboard Box Recycling Benefits

 

Another benefit of cardboard box recycling is its positive impact on the environment. The production of new paper products from recycled cardboard requires less water, energy, and chemical use than the production of virgin materials. Additionally, recycling saves trees, as every ton of recycled paper can save 17 trees from being cut down.

Cardboard box recycling also has a positive impact on the economy. The recycling industry in the United States employs over 500,000 people and generates an annual revenue of $236 billion. By recycling cardboard, jobs are created in the collection, sorting, and processing of recyclable materials, as well as in the manufacturing of new products.

Many communities in the United States have curbside pickup for recyclable materials, including cardboard boxes, or there are recycling drop-off locations where individuals can take their cardboard for recycling. Companies can also implement recycling programs in the workplace to collect and recycle cardboard waste. By properly recycling cardboard, we can not only reduce waste but also conserve natural resources, protect the environment and create jobs.

What should by company do with our Used Gaylord Boxes?

Another aspect of cardboard box recycling in the United States is the recycling of gaylord boxes. Gaylord boxes, also known as bulk boxes or octabin containers, are large, industrial-grade boxes typically used for the storage and transportation of bulk materials. These boxes are made of corrugated cardboard and are often used in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.

Due to their large size and heavy-duty construction, gaylord boxes are not typically included in curbside recycling programs. However, many companies offer specialized gaylord box recycling services, where the boxes are collected, sorted, and baled for transport to recycling mills.

Recycling gaylord boxes not only helps to reduce waste and conserve natural resources but also helps to save money for companies. Recycling gaylord boxes can reduce the cost of purchasing new boxes and can also help to lower disposal costs. In addition, many companies have found that recycling gaylord boxes can also help to improve their sustainability reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

It is important for companies to properly recycle their gaylord boxes and to work with specialized gaylord box recycling services. Companies can also implement recycling programs in their workplaces to collect and recycle gaylord boxes. By recycling gaylord boxes, companies can not only reduce waste and conserve natural resources but also save money, and improve their sustainability reputation.

Why should we recycle our cardboard boxes

Cardboard box recycling is an essential aspect of waste management and conservation of natural resources in the United States. With a recycling rate of 69.1%, it is clear that recycling cardboard is having a positive impact on reducing waste in landfills, conserving natural resources, protecting the environment and creating jobs. It is important for individuals and companies to properly recycle cardboard and continue to support recycling efforts.

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