BY CHARLIE A | 20 MARCH 2025
Why Cardboard Recycling Matters
Cardboard is one of the most widely used packaging materials in the world, but it’s also one of the most wasted. Every year, millions of tonnes of cardboard end up in Australian landfills when they could have been recycled. In Sydney alone, the improper disposal of cardboard contributes significantly to waste pollution.
📦 3.5 million tonnes of paper and cardboard waste are generated annually in Australia. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2024)
♻️ Only 60% of cardboard waste is recycled—meaning over 1.4 million tonnes still end up in landfills. (NSW EPA, 2024)
Recycling cardboard not only helps the environment but also reduces costs for businesses and households. Whether you’re clearing out packaging, managing waste from an office, or running a business that deals with large amounts of cardboard, knowing the right way to recycle it is crucial.
The Environmental Benefits of Recycling Cardboard
Recycling isn’t just about getting rid of waste—it has significant environmental benefits that impact both local communities and global sustainability efforts. Some of the key benefits of cardboard recycling include:
Less landfill waste: Recycling cardboard reduces the strain on landfills, allowing them to be used for non-recyclable waste.
Saves trees and resources: Every tonne of recycled cardboard saves about 17 trees, 7,000 litres of water, and 4,000 kWh of energy—enough to power an average home for six months. (Planet Ark, 2024)
Lower energy consumption: Recycling cardboard uses up to 75% less energy than producing new cardboard.
Reduces carbon footprint: The process of recycling produces far fewer carbon emissions compared to manufacturing new cardboard from raw materials.
How to Recycle Cardboard Properly in Sydney
Recycling cardboard sounds simple, but there are a few key steps you need to follow to ensure it gets properly processed. Here’s a quick guide:
1. Remove Contaminants
Before tossing your cardboard into the recycling bin, remove any non-recyclable materials, such as:
✅ Plastic packaging and tape
✅ Staples or binding clips
✅ Wax coatings (like those found on some food containers)
2. Flatten Your Boxes
Flattening your cardboard boxes saves valuable space in your recycling bin and helps waste collection services operate more efficiently.
3. Avoid Soiled or Wet Cardboard
Are pizza boxes recyclable? Cardboard that is greasy, wet, or covered in food cannot be recycled. For example, pizza boxes often need to be thrown in the general waste bin, except for the clean parts.
🗑️ Contaminated cardboard (e.g., greasy pizza boxes) accounts for up to 20% of recycling bin contamination, leading to entire loads being rejected. (NSW Waste Report, 2024)
4. Use Bulk Drop-Off Points for Large Amounts
If you have too much cardboard for your regular bin, Sydney has several drop-off points where you can take excess cardboard. Many local councils provide bulk collection services as well.
Common Mistakes People Make When Recycling Cardboard
Even though recycling is straightforward, many people make mistakes that contaminate the recycling process. Here are some common errors to avoid:
❌ Throwing away food-stained cardboard – Grease prevents proper recycling.
❌ Not flattening boxes – Bulky boxes take up unnecessary space in bins.
❌ Placing cardboard in plastic bags – Loose cardboard is easier to process.
❌ Assuming all cardboard is recyclable – Some laminated and coated cardboard requires special handling.
Business Cardboard Recycling in Sydney
Businesses generate huge volumes of cardboard waste, especially in retail, warehousing, and hospitality sectors. If you run a business, consider these best practices:
✔ Bulk recycling pickups: Many waste management companies, like Removaroo, offer scheduled collections for businesses.
✔ Staff education: Ensuring your team knows what can and can’t be recycled helps reduce contamination.
✔ Reducing packaging waste: If possible, opt for reusable or minimal packaging to reduce excess waste.
Need Cardboard Removal? Removaroo Has You Covered!
Make the smart choice—recycle responsibly and keep Sydney clean!
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