Breaking Down Cardboard And Paper Recycling

Cardboard, paperboard, paper, and newsprint can all be recycled. Essentially, they are all made with paper fibers which means it's all paper recycling. 

Fortunately, cardboard recycling and paper recycling has become one of the success stories for the Zero Waste movement and recycling efforts of the United States. But it is still a pressing need.

Residential Paper Recycling: When the Paper and Cardboard Gets Out of Hand

It probably goes without saying these days that everyone wants to be a good steward of the environment and a responsibly green world citizen. But recycling can also be a challenge for the average person.

For most of us, we have the advantage of dedicated recycling trash cans inside our workplaces and even, for some, in our homes. And almost everyone has large recycling bins at home that get put out on the curb every week or so.

Of course, most commercial businesses and organizations have the same bins or, better yet, entire dumpsters dedicated to recyclables. 

But, sometimes, even the household recycling containers are not large enough.

When might that be, you ask? Like when you've just relocated and have finished moving into your new home. If you're like most people, you had dozens upon dozens of boxes packed with all of your worldly belongings. Maybe even over a hundred or so. 

And now you have dozens upon dozens of empty cardboard boxes piling up in the garage or on the side of the new house. Not to mention the packing paper and newsprint that you wrapped things in. Nor the boxes and cardboard packaging from all the new pieces of furniture and other items you got from Amazon once you moved in.

But that's just one possible scenario. Having far too much recyclable waste can happen for any number of reasons, including the aftermath of Christmas morning with a bunch of kids. 

So, what's a responsible recycler to do with all that waste paper and cardboard?

Paper Recycling: The Shining Star of the Recycling Universe

Okay, so newsprint has become a bit dated, we know. Newspapers are so 1990s, right? Except that it's still our there. And so is waste copier paper, direct mail pieces, and paper bags. Cardboard boxes have become the staple of online shopping. And we still shop locally for thousands of new products that come in spiffy paperboard containers, especially in the grocery stores.

What's so great about recycling paper, you may ask?

Consider these facts:

• Cardboard can be recycled five to seven times and is a generally straightforward and easy material to recycle.
• Nearly 81% of corrugated cardboard is recycled. and any size, shape or color cardboard can be recycled.
• Milk and juice cartons are recyclable. Made from mostly paper, cartons are in high demand to be made into new products.
• Paperboard is thicker than average paper, but it is still just one layer. Cardboard is three layers of heavy paper. Both paperboard and cardboard cartons are recyclable.

There are a few exceptions to recycling, such as greasy or heavily food-stained pizza boxes. 

In addition, according to AlmostZeroWaste.com, the following paper products cannot be feasibly recycled either:

1. Napkins and tissues
2. Toilet paper
3. Paper towels
4. Waxed paper
5. Paper coffee cups
6. Receipts
7. Shredded paper
8. Sticky paper
9. Paper coated with plastic
10. Wrapping gift paper

However, aside from these "problem children" in the world of waste paper products,  paper materials are the most highly recycled materials in our waste stream. 

The EPA has estimated that,

"Approximately 46 million tons of paper and paperboard were recycled in 2018 for a recycling rate of 68.2 percent, which was the highest compared to other materials in MSW (municipal solid waste.)"

 

Shooting for Almost Zero Waste with Cardboard and Paper Recycling

Until new technologies and new market demand for certain paper-based waste products comes along, not every scrap of waste paper material can be recycled. 

But an aggregated average of over 56 percent of all waste paper materials does get recycled so far, which is far better than most other waste materials in our collective trash.

For example, according to State of Curbside Recycling 2020 report from Recycling Partnership, out of the more than 37 million tons of material that could be recycled, over 20 million tons are thrown in the trash due to lack of recycling access and people's participation.

At Junk King, we believe strongly in recycling and are committed to recycling at least 60 percent of everything we pick up from every job.

And we can make your large recycling needs easier on you.  We invite you to partner with Junk King to ensure that as much of everything we toss out can be properly disposed of and recycled when possible. 

Call Junk King for Your Big Cardboard and Paper Recycling Needs

There is a truly simple and efficient bulk recycling solution: make the call to Junk King.

Junk King provides professional junk hauling services to remove all types of junk including bulk paper waste and paperboard or cardboard debris. We'll even take your excess trash and garbage.

We even have the equipment and resources to haul large boxes and other containers down your stairways, up from your basement, or out of your garage. 

No matter what your junk consists of, Junk King can help you get rid of it.

We provide an eco-friendly junk removal service to help you get rid of any large quantities of cardboard and paper waste, as well as other unwanted junk, large trash items, and even old appliances.

Our professional and insured appliance disposal team will show up at your home or office; we call 15 minutes before we arrive on site and we’ll give you a free estimate based on how much room your junk takes up in our truck. You point and we haul your unwanted items into our junk removal trucks, with no hidden fees.

It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3.

You can make an appointment by booking online above or by calling 1.888.888.JUNK (5865).