Can You Recycle Cardboard?

Can You Recycle Cardboard?

Last reviewed by James Hartley on 24 April 2026

Yes, corrugated and flat cardboard are accepted in all kerbside programs when clean and dry. Break down large boxes. Grease-soaked cardboard (e.g., pizza boxes) has its own rules.

Cardboard is made of wood pulp and can be easily broken down into fibres for recycling. Its composition allows it to be processed through standard paper recycling methods. Making it a valuable material in the recycling stream. Cardboard breaks down efficiently due to its relatively simple structure compared to other materials like plastic or metal.

According to the WHO, e-waste contains over 1,000 different substances, many of them toxic.

Why Cardboard Is Easy to Recycle

Cardboard is composed of wood pulp and can break down into fibres that are suitable for reuse. Unlike plastics or metals, cardboard doesn't require complex chemical treatments during the recycling process. The material's natural fibre composition makes it easily processed at recycling facilities.

The structure of cardboard-corrugated layers sandwiched between flat sheets-provides strength while remaining lightweight and easy to transport. This design allows cardboard boxes to be compacted for efficient shipping to recycling plants, reducing transportation costs and carbon emissions.

How to Recycle Cardboard Properly

To recycle cardboard properly, start by removing any non-paper contaminants like plastic or metal. Break down large boxes to fit in your kerbside bin, and ensure the material is clean and dry before adding it to the collection. Most local councils offer kerbside recycling for cardboard.

For those who don't have access to kerbside collections, drop-off centres are available across the UK and US. Companies like TerraCycle or Recycle More provide specific programs for harder-to-recycle materials. According to a 2018 study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 67% of cardboard packaging was recycled in the US that year.

Alternatives to Throwing Cardboard Away

Before recycling, consider reusing cardboard boxes for storage or packing purposes. Donate unneeded boxes to charity shops like Oxfam or Goodwill. These organisations often need sturdy containers for moving donations and organising items within their premises. Additionally, use cardboard as a base layer in compost piles to help with the decomposition of food waste.

FAQ

Q: Can greasy pizza boxes go into recycling bins? A: No, grease-soaked cardboard should be placed in regular trash or composted if your local area offers composting services for food waste. Grease prevents paper fibres from being recycled effectively.

Q: How do I know if my local council recycles cardboard? A: Check with your local council's website or contact them directly to confirm what materials are accepted in kerbside recycling programs. Most councils provide detailed guidelines on their websites.

Q: What happens if I don't break down cardboard boxes before putting them out for collection? A: Large, unbroken-down cardboard boxes can cause issues during the recycling process. They might get jammed in automated sorting systems or take up unnecessary space. Breaking them down ensures they're handled more efficiently and responsibly.

Sources

• WHO
• US EPA
• UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024