It is well-known that cardboard is a recyclable component. However, if you think that it is fine to leave cardboard outside and that it will decompose on its own, you are wrong. Read this blog now to learn the steps of cardboard recycling in London and its contribution to waste minimisation! Here are the steps:
- Collection: This is the primary step when cardboard is accumulated from domestic and commercial domains. Typically, local government councils or professional rubbish removal companies collect these wastes. Some of them even provide special bins or skips for collection.
- Sorting: After the cardboard waste is sent to a recycling centre, the next step is categorising it by type. There are two types of cardboard: corrugated board and flat cardboard.
- Shredding and Pulping: The process involves breaking the cardboard into small pieces and thoroughly mixing it with an aqueous solvent. This creates a fine pulp, which is afterwards filtered to remove potential contaminants and debris (if present).
- De-inking and bleaching: If your cardboard is coloured, it must be de-inked first. The process involves using a bleaching agent to produce a clear, white pulp.
- Pressing and Finishing: This is the penultimate step in which the newly produced cardboard sheets are pressed under a heavy roller. It helps remove excess water and ensures easy drying. After this, they are cut into required lengths or sizes.
- Distribution: After finishing, the recycled cardboard sheets are sent to manufacturing and retailing centres. There, the new cardboard is given productive shapes to make cartons, packaging, and paper items.
What products can I obtain from recycled cardboard?
Now that you have known the steps of cardboard recycling, it is a common question! Below is a list of some items that are made with recycled cardboard.
- Cardboard Boxes or Cartons: These are essential in the packaging and shipping industries.
- Paper Products: Some common examples are writing pads, paper bags, letter wraps, etc.
- Furniture: Certain lightweight furniture like stools, foldable tables and bookshelves can be made with recycled cardboard.
- Insulating agents: Cardboard is an excellent alternative to fibreglass if you are looking for the least expensive insulation for your house. Also, it is environmentally friendly.
- DIY Craft Ideas: You can quickly soften recycled cardboard with water to produce a mushy substance. This can be used to make small sculptures, collages, or decorative artworks.
- Pet Bedding: Cardboards can be covered with linen or cotton fabric to make soft, padded surfaces for your beloved pets. These can serve as a good resting place for them.
Importance of cardboard recycling: Uncovering Benefits!
Before you opt for cardboard removal in London, it is essential to learn the advantages.
- Conservation of natural resources: Whether cardboard or metal scrap, recycling helps minimise the need for raw materials. Moreover, it cuts down on energy consumption required in the manufacturing processes.
- Lowering carbon emissions: Most people do not know about sustainable recycling, so they throw their cardboard waste in landfills. This directly contributes to greenhouse gas production, negatively affecting the climate.
- Reduction in energy costs: Recycled cardboard consumes less energy than newly manufactured ones, up to 25% reduction. This promotes environmental health and cuts down on manufacturing costs.
- Financial benefits: The recycling industry creates many jobs in departments like waste management, component repurposing, and manufacturing businesses. This strengthens the local economy by alleviating unemployment issues.
- Building good business relations with clients: Corporate companies that employ sustainable recycling practices have successfully built positive relations with potential customers, employees, and shareholders, consequently strengthening national income.
In a nutshell, cardboard recycling can effectively prevent excessive wastage and save natural resources!
Why Does Cardboard Waste Need a Separate Recycling Bin?
Firstly, it helps ease the work of garbage disposal companies. Next, when cardboard is mixed with various other components like food remnants, liquids, etc., there is a high chance of contamination. Lastly, several council bodies have regulatory guidelines, which, upon violation, may lead to unwanted fines! Worry not—we have mentioned all the objects you can pack in cardboard recycling bins and which to avoid. Items like empty toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, liquid packaging, shock-absorbing corrugated sheets, etc., can be put into cardboard recycling bins. However, avoid those that are damped and contain food grease. And, of course, do not pack plastics, metallic things, glass and hazardous electronics!
Common Industries and Businesses that Use a Cardboard Collection Waste Bin
Here’s a list of businesses that use separate cardboard waste collection bins.
- Retailing stores: These generate huge volumes of cardboard waste, such as packaging materials and cartons.
- Food and Beverages: From pizza boxes to cereal packages, these industries generate a lot of cardboard waste.
- Manufacturing, E-commerce and Distribution sectors: Packages for inland and overseas product shipping.
- Medicine and Healthcare: Packing materials for medical supplies and surgical equipment.
- Education sector: This generates a lot of cardboard waste from old notebooks and pencils to shredded paper and more!
How Do I reduce Cardboard waste?
We have enlisted a few methods that can help reduce cardboard waste and save the environment. They are as follows:
- Using reusable bags: When buying groceries, try bringing a jute or linen bag instead of a plastic bag. These bags can significantly minimise the amount of wasted cardboard.
- Opting for digital receipts: Soft copies of bills are far more beneficial than paper receipts. Nowadays, several retail stores have made this facility available to their customers.
- Buying in bulk: Purchasing items in a single go reduces the quantity of packaging material like cardboard. This prevents wastage due to individual packing.
- Reusing cardboard boxes as much as possible: It is better to reuse cardboard packing boxes rather than discard them. The two best options for this are donating and selling.
- Buying products with minimal packaging: The less packaging, the lower the quantity of waste generated. So, the choice is yours!
- Repurposing into productive items: This is the best option for creative people. Various valuable artworks can be made that increase the aesthetic beauty of living spaces and regulate environmental pollution.
Conclusion
If you have accumulated huge heaps of cardboard, do not worry. Compare the available companies for junk removal in London and book one as soon as possible!
