The Do’s and Don’ts of Cardboard Recycling for Your Business

Effective cardboard recycling is more than just a tick-box exercise—it’s a smart business practice that can cut costs, boost sustainability, and ensure legal compliance. For businesses across the UK, and particularly in cities like Glasgow, knowing how to manage cardboard and paper waste properly is essential.

At Highland Security Shredding, we ensure your paper and cardboard waste is handled responsibly and in full compliance with regulations.

In this guide, we’ll outline practical do’s and don’ts for paper and cardboard recycling, covering acceptable materials, preparation tips, and how to streamline your collection process.

Understanding What Can & Can’t be Recycled

Corrugated cardboard & paperboard

These are the most common and widely accepted types for recycling. Corrugated cardboard (e.g., shipping boxes) and paperboard (like cereal boxes) are easily recycled.

Wax lined, grease soiled or wet cardboard

Items like greasy pizza boxes, milk cartons, or wax-lined frozen-food packs are not suitable. Grease and moisture damage the fibres, making them difficult to process and risking contamination of entire recycling loads.

Metallic, glittered, or plastic-coated cardboard

Cardboard with foil, glitter, or plastic or metallic finishes is difficult to recycle due to the complexity of separating those materials. These items should be kept out of your recycling bins.

Prepare Cardboard Properly

1.   Empty and flatten boxes

Remove all packing materials (plastic, foam, polystyrene) and flatten boxes to save space and ease processing.

2.   Keep cardboard clean and dry

Store it in a dry, sheltered area - especially in Glasgow where weather can be damp. Wet cardboard weekends fibres, contaminants loads, and ruins recycling bathes.

3.   Remove non-cardboard contaminants

While small amounts of tape or staples are acceptable, you should remove plastic liners, polystyrene inserts, and excess glue. Guidelines can vary, so it’s best to check with your recycling provider.

Implement a System That Works

A successful recycling programme requires consistency and clarity. Start with the following:

●     Designated bins: Use clearly labelled recycling containers for cardboard and paper. Avoid mixing them with general waste or contaminated materials.

●     Staff training: Ensure employees understand what goes into each bin and why sorting correctly is important.

●     Scheduled collections: Partner with a reliable cardboard recycling Glasgow provider to establish a regular pickup routine.

Partnering with a reliable provider like us at Highlander Security Shredding can help you establish a regular cardboard recycling Glasgow collection schedule and provide appropriate containers tailored to your site layout.

Choose the Right Equipment

If your business generates high quantities (e.g., retail, e-commerce), invest in a baler or compactor. These machines reduce volume by up to 90%, and save storage space. But, which is best for your business?

Vertical vs horizontal balers

●     Vertical balers (like the LFA 51 and LFA 151 machines) are ideal for moderate waste volumes and use 9mm banding for secure, easy-to-handle bales.

●     Horizontal balers suit high-volume environments; they are automated, efficient, and can compress large amounts quickly.

Compactors and shredders

For mixed paper/cardboard volumes, compactors or shredders may be more economical, allowing mixed material collection and additional uses (e.g., shredder output as void-fill packaging)

Avoiding Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes in paper waste recycling is contamination. Even small amounts of food or liquid can ruin a whole load of otherwise recyclable cardboard.

Avoid:

●     Placing greasy or wet items in recycling bins.

●     Including materials like polystyrene or plastic bags with your cardboard waste

●     Storing cardboard outdoors without cover, especially in damp regions like Glasgow.

Contamination not only reduces the value of recyclable material - it may also result in increased disposal fees or rejected collections.

Overcomplicating the Process

Many businesses try to do the right thing but get bogged down by overthinking their recycling systems. Keep it simple and effective.

●     You don't need to remove every staple or piece of tape - modern recycling facilities can handle minor impurities.

●     Don't separate paper and cardboard unless your collector requires it. In many cases, they can be recycled together.

●     Avoid creating unnecessary steps for staff that could lead to confusion or non-compliance.

The goal is a clean, dry, and consistent waste stream - not perfection.

Choosing the Right Recycling Partner

Working with a reputable provider ensures your materials are properly handled and helps you stay compliant with local regulations.

For example, if you’re operating in or around Glasgow, choose a cardboard recycling Glasgow, or paper recycling Glasgow specialist that offers:

●     Scheduled pickups tailored to your needs

●     Support with bins, signage and equipment

●     Transparent reporting and compliance documentation 

These services not only streamline waste management, but also demonstrate your environmental responsibility to customers and stakeholders.

Putting Cardboard Recycling Into Action

Cardboard and paper waste recycling doesn’t need to be complex - but it does need to be done right. By following these do’s and don’ts, your business can reduce costs, stay compliant, and support the circular economy.

Whether you’re a small business, or a large operation, the key is consistency: clean, dry, well-sorted material, handled by trained staff and collected by professionals. If you’re in Glasgow, take advantage of the excellent local infrastructure for cardboard recycling, and make it a core part of your sustainability strategy.