It’s more important than ever to keep corrugated cardboard material contamination free because corrugated cardboard is one of the most highly recovered and recycled forms of paper. This material is widely used in commercial and industrial applications as the preferred method of packaging. With the spike in online retail sales, there has also been a significant increase in at-home deliveries using cardboard boxes to transport goods.
What is needed for corrugated cardboard to be successfully recycled?
at the end of 2017 placed a restriction on corrugated cardboard – whereby they would reject any imported cardboard with a contamination level of over 0.5%. Most would think this is a good idea – and that the local recycling facility would be responsible for “cleaning” the cardboard before it is shipped. This is easier said than done.
Commercial recycling facilities process hundreds of tons of material per day. This can include various grades of paper, metals, glass, and plastics. Production volume in these types of facilities is key – as any slowdown can easily create a backup, and adds to a stockpile of loose material awaiting processing. This material must move, as deliveries need to be accepted. The goal at these sites is to continually provide an outlet market for their contracted supplier’s materials.
What happens when a contaminated load of corrugated cardboard enters a recycling facility?
First – each load must be inspected when it enters the recycling facility. To do this properly the load needs to be dumped into an area called the “tipping floor.” If a particular load is deemed to be contaminated, photos are taken and the supplier is notified. Since the supplier expects to be paid a predetermined price for delivered material, they must be notified that the price will be reduced due to contamination. In certain instances, depending on the level on contamination, the material may be taken at no value, or a charge may be put in place to cover the recycling facility’s sorting and/or disposal costs.
What costs does the recycling facility incur when addressing contamination in corrugated cardboard?
The recycling facility incurs labor costs to remove the contamination. This process slows production, increasing operating expenses. Typically contamination needs to be disposed of, and in many cases landfilled, which is also an expense.
What happens if the recycling facility does not have proper policies and procedures in place?
Should loads of cardboard be shipped to China for recycling, and a Chinese port inspection finds that the material does not meet their requirement of 0.5% or less contamination, it will be rejected. Rejected means it is not allowed to be accepted at the port, and it must leave the country. The Chinese authorities require that the rejected container of corrugated cardboard be loaded onto an outbound ship and returned to the port of origin, in this case the US. This can cost the recycler thousands of dollars, if not more.
So – the next time you place your cardboard into a dedicated collection container, compactor, or baler, think twice and take the time to eliminate any plastics, or trash. It can save thousands of dollars and allow your local recycling facility to operate efficiently – and generate clean, mill acceptable material. Contact us today to learn more about corrugated cardboard.