Corrugated boxes are everywhere from online shopping deliveries to grocery packaging and moving boxes. These sturdy, lightweight, and versatile boxes have become an essential part of daily life. But once you’ve unpacked your items, what should you do with all that cardboard?
The good news is: corrugated boxes are one of the most recyclable materials out there. However, to ensure they actually get recycled (and not end up in a landfill), it’s important to follow some basic guidelines. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to recycle corrugated boxes at home the right way in a way that’s simple, practical, and environmentally responsible.
What Are Corrugated Boxes?
Before we dive into recycling tips, let’s understand what corrugated boxes are.
Corrugated Box vs Regular Cardboard
Corrugated boxes (also called corrugated cardboard) are made of three layers:
- An inner liner
- An outer liner
- A wavy, fluted middle layer (called corrugation)
This design makes them strong and durable, which is why they’re commonly used for shipping and packaging.
Why It’s Important to Recycle Corrugated Boxes
According to the American Forest & Paper Association, more than 90% of corrugated boxes are recovered and recycled in the U.S. That’s great news but it only works if we do our part at home.
Benefits of Recycling Corrugated Boxes:
- Reduces landfill waste
- Saves trees and water used in new box production
- Uses less energy compared to making cardboard from scratch
- Supports circular economy and sustainable packaging efforts
By recycling corrugated cardboard properly, you help reduce environmental impact while keeping your home clutter-free.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Recycle Corrugated Boxes at Home
Step 1: Remove All Packing Materials
Start by emptying the box completely.
Remove:
- Bubble wrap
- Packing peanuts
- Air pillows
- Plastic bags
- Foam inserts
- Tape or shipping labels (optional, but ideal)
Note: Small amounts of tape or labels are usually fine and won’t disqualify the box from being recycled. But removing them helps the process.
Step 2: Flatten the Boxes
Use a utility knife or scissors to cut the tape and fold down the flaps. Flattening boxes:
- Saves space in your recycling bin
- Makes transportation more efficient for recycling centers
- Prevents bins from overflowing too quickly
Step 3: Keep Boxes Dry and Clean
Water, food residue, or oil can ruin cardboard, making it unrecyclable.
Tips:
- Don’t leave boxes outside in the rain
- Don’t recycle greasy pizza boxes or wet paperboard
- Store dry until pickup day
If it’s wet or food-stained, compost it or throw it in the trash if composting isn’t an option.
Step 4: Check Local Recycling Guidelines
Different cities have slightly different rules for cardboard recycling.
- Curbside recycling: Most municipalities accept corrugated cardboard curbside.
- Drop-off centers: Many communities offer recycling drop-off locations.
- Bulk pickup: Some areas offer special pickup days for large cardboard loads.
Check your local municipal website or recycling app for details on acceptable materials, pickup days, and volume limits.
Step 5: Recycle on Pickup Day
Once your boxes are:
- Empty
- Flattened
- Dry and clean
Place them in your blue bin or take them to your nearest recycling drop-off. If you have too many boxes, bundle them with string to keep them together.
Can’t Recycle? Try These Reuse Ideas Instead
Not all cardboard needs to go straight into the bin. If your boxes are still in decent shape, there are several smart and eco-friendly ways to reuse corrugated boxes at home.
Creative Ways to Reuse Corrugated Boxes:
- Storage – Organize closets, garages, or pantries.
- Shipping or gifting – Reuse them to send packages or wrap presents.
- Pet playhouses – Make cat castles or hamster tunnels.
- Kids’ crafts and school projects – DIY toys, costumes, or science fair props.
- Weed barrier in the garden – Use flattened boxes under mulch to block weeds.
- Moving boxes – Save them for future moves or donate them to someone relocating.
Reusing before recycling is a core part of the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Composting Corrugated Cardboard
Did you know that clean, brown corrugated cardboard is compostable? read more.
How to Compost Cardboard:
- Remove any tape or glue
- Shred or cut it into small pieces
- Mix it with green waste (like food scraps or grass clippings)
- Keep it moist and turn the pile occasionally
This method works well for non-glossy, non-coated cardboard and is a great option if your recycling bin is full.
What Not to Recycle: Contaminated Cardboard
Some cardboard items are not accepted in standard curbside programs due to contamination or coatings.
Do Not Recycle:
- Greasy pizza boxes
- Cardboard with heavy plastic coatings
- Wet or moldy boxes
- Wax-lined fruit or produce boxes
If you’re unsure whether an item is recyclable, it’s safer to check with your local recycling authority. Contaminated items can ruin entire batches of recyclables.
Final Thoughts:
Recycling corrugated boxes at home is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to reduce household waste. With just a few simple steps remove, flatten, keep clean, and recycle you’re making a real difference for the planet.
And don’t forget, reuse comes before recycle. If your boxes still have life in them, find creative ways to repurpose them around your home.
By taking a few mindful actions, you’re helping build a more sustainable, circular economy one cardboard box at a time.
