The COVID-19 pandemic changed consumers shopping habits, creating a boom for online retailers that hasn’t slowed down. Corrugated cardboard currently represents 80% of the packaging used for online orders, meaning the demand for cardboard is as high as it has ever been.

Recycled cardboard is used to make cereal boxes, paperboard, paper towels, writing paper, and of course, more cardboard boxes. It is important that you are doing your part to recycle it properly. Remember to keep boxes empty, flat and clean. Boxes with packing material can’t be sorted at the recycling facility, so packing materials such as Styrofoam, plastic bags and wrap must be removed in advance. Cardboard boxes also need to be broken down prior to placing them in your the recycling container. This will make the cardboard less likely to get stuck in your curbside bin, and will save valuable space in your bin or community drop-off container.

Pizza boxes are recyclable, but they must be clean! A single dirty pizza box can contaminate an entire bin of recyclables. Grease and oils bind to the cardboard preventing it from being recycled. Simply remove the top to recycle and place the dirty bottom in the waste bin.

Cardboard can be placed in your recycling bin or in one of the many community recycling drop-off boxes. You can call your waste hauler to order curbside recycling or to see a list of drop-off recycling centers and a complete list of acceptable recyclables click here