Cardboard

Burbank Recycle Center Drop-Off Recycle Container

Corrogated cardboard boxes should be broken down and ALL packaging materials removed.  Paper packaging products can be recycled loose but NEVER include plastic packaging (bags, wrap, straps, etc.) or foam (#6 polystyrene). 

Soiled cardboard cannot go in your blue or green carts.  However, it can be reused in a backyard composting system or in landscaping as a weed barrier. Make sure to remove all adhesives.  

PRO TIP:  Intact pizza boxes are not recyclable but if one side is clean, tear it off and put it in your blue bin.  The soiled side is trash or can be reused in your garden.

flattened-boxes

Break Down Boxes

It’s easier for sanitation workers to handle and sort boxes that are broken down. Make sure to break down your cardboard boxes.

300x300-wet-cardboard

Clean Cardboard Only

Do not recycle cardboard that is wet or contaminated by food residue or grease. You can recycle clean pieces of cardboard by cutting away the soiled pieces.

Cardboard Box With Tape

Remove the Tape Before Recycling

Remove as much tape as possible from cardboard packages. If the package is covered in a paper-backed tape, such as masking tape, the entire package can still be recycled.

corrugated-cardboard

Corrugated Cardboard Is Recyclable

All types of cardboard can be recycled except if they’re coated in wax. Recycle corrugated cardboard when possible.

cardboard-glossy

Shiny or Glossy Cardboard Is Recyclable

Shiny or glossy cardboard can be recycled, such as a toothpaste box. Waxed cardboard cannot be recycled, which you can identify by scratching off the wax.

Did You Know?

Going Flat: Good or Bad?

Check out this short cartoon for a tip on how to recycle cardboard.

Cardboard Recycling

About 70 percent of commercial shipping boxes that are made out of cardboard will be recycled. To be recycled, boxes are first turned into pulp, and then the fibers are separated and bleached. After these fibers are screened, they are washed, pressed and then rolled into paper.