The simplest and most cost-effective method for reducing the amount of cardboard is through source reduction. Many suppliers over-package goods because they assume customers prefer heavily packaged products. If an item can be delivered with less cardboard or other packaging, it is recommended that the end user negotiate with the supplier to minimize the excess packaging.

If source reduction is not an option, then the cardboard should be recycled. The first step in setting up a recycling program is to identify local markets and contact paper dealers to determine dealer and end-user requirements. Some dealers require that the corrugated material be baled; while others will take loose material. The regular waste hauler may also be willing to collect the corrugated cardboard separately, depending on the volume generated and the availability of local markets. To obtain more information on how to implement a corrugated cardboard recycling program, visit The Corrugated Packaging Council’s website at http://www.corrugated.org, or call them at either (847) 364-9600 or their 24 hour toll free hotline (800) 879-9777.

There are four methods of bundling corrugated cardboard for storage and marketing: loosely bundling, flat packing, baling, and piling in roll-off containers. Small quantity generators generally flatten boxes and tie them (loosely bundled). Flat packing is similar except that flattened boxes are stacked on a pallet about shoulder high and then banded. Balers are commonly used by small, medium, and large generators of cardboard for compacting into stackable rectangles. The bales are much easier to handle and move than bundled cardboard and can be picked up with a forklift. Baling sometimes increases the market value of the cardboard. For larger generators, a roll-off compactor or stationary dumpster may be used for collecting loose, flattened cardboard. These containers will typically hold 30 cubic yards. A dealer may provide a roll-off container if it can be filled quickly; (about once per week) on a consistent basis.

If cardboard recycling is not possible, it can be composted. The cardboard should be shredded so that it will mix with other materials and decompose quickly.

The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as a general guideline and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g. the amount of workload involved.

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• Reduces the volume of waste disposed in landfills by an average of 12.7% (U.S. EPA, 1994).
• Reduces landfill disposal fees.
• Generates revenue from the sale of the cardboard.

• Training of waste generators will be required, so they can separate cardboard waste properly.

• Recycling trailers (16 x 7 x 8 ft) for collecting loose, flat corrugated cardboard will cost approximately $1,500 each.
• Capital costs for balers range from $8,000 to $150,000, depending on the model type and capacity required.

The operating costs for a cardboard recycling program include labor costs for a coordinator/monitor, collection costs (if applicable), materials handling costs (if applicable), and transportation costs to deliver the material if pick-up service is not arranged with the recycler. These operating costs are usually offset by savings incurred from reduced landfill disposal fees and revenue from the sale of the cardboard.

Market prices for cardboard are $15 to $30/ton (1996), based on recent surveys in selected regions, with prices on the West Coast generally higher ($80 to $110/ton). The costs presented below are incremental costs for a cardboard recycling program that is incorporated into a large scale recycling program which includes other recyclables (e.g. aluminum cans, plastic bottles, etc.) In many cases where cardboard recycling is incorporated into an existing recycling program, the purchase of additional recycling equipment (e.g. baler) may not be necessary. Hence, this is a conservative analysis.

Assumptions:

• Two tons of cardboard recycled per week.
• Cost of recycling trailer: $1,500
• Cost of baler: $10,000
• Labor for cardboard collection/separation: 4 hrs/week
• Labor for transportation to landfill: 1 hr/week
• Labor rate: $30/hr.
• Transportation cost to on-base recycle center: $50/month
• Transportation cost to landfill: $150/month
• Landfill cost: $25/ton (California)
• Market price of cardboard: $90/ton (California)

Economic Analysis Summary

Annual Savings for Cardboard Recycling: $8,480
Capital Cost for Diversion Equipment/Process: $11,500
Payback Period for Investment in Equipment/Process: < 2 Years

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