Cardboard is one of the most widely used packaging materials in the world and one of the easiest to recycle. But did you know not all cardboard is recyclable? If your business generates large volumes of cardboard, understanding the different types of cardboard and how to handle them is crucial to running an effective and compliant recycling programme.
At Greenbank Recycling Solutions, we’ve spent over 30 years helping businesses across the UK improve their recycling processes. From advising on what materials can be recycled to providing industry-leading baler machines, we’re here to make recycling cardboard simple, efficient, and cost-effective.
Why Cardboard Recycling Matters for Businesses
Any organisation producing high volumes of cardboard must have a clear, compliant recycling strategy in place. Without one, much of that ends up in landfill, damaging your sustainability efforts and your brand reputation.
As awareness of environmental responsibility continues to rise, consumer trust is increasingly influenced by sustainable practices, making recycling not just a choice but an expectation.
Unfortunately, many businesses aren’t aware that not all cardboard is treated equally when it comes to recycling. From contamination to composite materials, several factors can interfere with the process. Knowing which types of cardboard can be recycled and how to handle them is the first step toward a more efficient recycling operation.
Types of Cardboard That Can Be Recycled
Corrugated Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard which is commonly used for shipping boxes, is the most widely recycled type. It’s made from three layers: a wavy inner layer (fluting) sandwiched between two smooth outer sheets.
Best Practice Tip: Keep it clean and dry. Avoid mixing with coated or contaminated cardboards to maintain bale quality.
Paperboard (Carton or Chipboard)
This single-ply cardboard is commonly used for cereal boxes, toilet roll tubes, and food packaging. Though it’s thinner and less durable than corrugated cardboard, it’s just as recyclable when uncontaminated.
Best Practice Tip: Remove any plastic windows or metallic linings before recycling.
Types of Cardboard That Can’t Be Recycled Easily
Even if the base cardboard is recyclable, certain treatments, linings, or contaminants can make it unsuitable for traditional recycling processes.
Plastic-Coated or Glossy Cardboard
Often used for frozen food packaging or luxury items, these products are coated in materials that standard recycling centres can’t process.
Contaminated Cardboard
Cardboard that’s soaked in grease, oil, or food residue (like takeaway boxes) can’t be recycled. Only clean sections should be kept, the rest must go to general waste.
Wet Cardboard
Soaking weakens cardboard fibres, reducing its recycling value. Wet bales are also heavier, which can deter recycling companies from accepting them due to added transport costs.
Composite & Metallic-Lined Cardboard
Cardboard with metallic film, waxed coatings, or glitter/decorative elements is often non-recyclable due to difficulty separating the materials.
Why Identifying Cardboard Types Matters
When you prepare cardboard bales for resale or recycling, mixing contaminated or non-recyclable types will likely result in the entire bale being rejected. This increases your disposal costs and undermines sustainability targets. To avoid this, your team must know how to identify recyclable types.
Most packaging includes a recycling logo or resin code, typically found on the back or base of the item. Train your staff to look for these indicators, and don’t hesitate to ask Greenbank’s team for clarification.
How Greenbank Recycling Solutions Can Help
We specialise in supporting businesses with high volumes of recyclable materials, offering everything from expert advice to industrial cardboard balers that maximise space, reduce costs, and improve your sustainability credentials.
Greenbank’s range of balers are designed to handle cardboard recycling with maximum efficiency, helping businesses reduce volume, cut disposal costs, and improve sustainability. Whether you’re handling small volumes or high-output operations, we have a solution to suit:
- Vertical Balers – Ideal for all-sized operations, vertical balers provide a cost-effective way to manage recyclables, reducing your company’s footprint all within a compact and efficient machine.
- Semi-Automatic Balers – The machines offer an affordable, efficient solution for businesses producing large volumes of recyclable materials, by creating mill-size bales with minimal operator input, helping to reduce costs and maximise rebate potential.
- Fully Automatic Balers – Ideal for high-volume producers seeking to maximise efficiency and reduce manual labour, with compact and high-volume channel models that automatically compress, tie, and prepare recyclable bales, streamlining operations and generating additional revenue through bale rebates.
Our Approach Includes:
- A detailed evaluation of your current handling systems
- Advice on separating, sorting, and preparing cardboard
- Guidance on recyclable vs non-recyclable materials
- Plastic and cardboard baler machines tailored to your volume
- Ongoing support to help your team maintain compliance and efficiency
Our balers are ideal for businesses dealing with corrugated cardboard, paperboard and more. Whether you’re a small retail outlet or a large distribution centre, we’ll recommend the right solution for your needs.
Streamline Your Cardboard Recycling Today
Whether you’re looking to reduce landfill waste, cut disposal costs, or generate additional revenue by selling your clean cardboard bales, Greenbank is ready to help.
Contact the team at Greenbank for expert advice or to book a site evaluation to assess your recycling setup
Explore our full range of balers to simplify your cardboard recycling process
