Keep flattened cardboard out of general waste — compared across licensed recycling partners to cut cost and stay compliant with Simpler Recycling.
Cardboard is one of the highest-volume recyclable streams for UK retail, warehousing and hospitality. Flattened, dry cardboard has real recycling value, so collecting it separately (or in dry mixed recycling) is usually cheaper than sending it as general waste. Stratos Environmental compares licensed carriers for cardboard-only bins, cages or mixed recycling so you are not paying landfill rates for packaging.
Keep it dry and flattened. Food-soiled pizza boxes, waxed card, polystyrene and plastic wrapping should stay out. Contamination is the main reason a recycling load gets rejected and charged as general waste.
High-volume sites — supermarkets, warehouses, online retailers — often do better with a dedicated cardboard bin, cage or baler because the material is cleaner and cheaper to process. Smaller shops and offices can usually put cardboard in dry mixed recycling. We will recommend which is cheaper for your actual output.
Common options are 240L–1100L wheelie bins, cages for flattened boxes, or a FEL container for large sites. See our 1100L and bin size guides, or Binpedia.
Usually yes, if it is clean and flattened. Very high volumes are often cheaper in a dedicated cardboard bin or cage.
Clean cardboard is a recyclable commodity and avoids landfill tax. Moving it out of general waste is one of the simplest ways to cut a commercial waste bill.
Wet or food-soiled card often cannot be recycled and should stay in general waste. Keep storage covered if bins sit outside.
Free, no-obligation comparison through our licensed partner network across London and the UK.
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