Source: northstarrecycling.com

Published: June 10, 2016

We’re often asked to describe the benefits of recycling. Therefore, this week we’re highlighting some environmental impacts companies might achieve from implementing cardboard recycling programs.

Reduced Deforestation
Cardboard is made similarly to other paper based products, meaning it often is manufactured from tree pulp. Because manufacturing and distribution facilities typically produce very clean cardboard waste, this material often is easy to recycle into new paper products, reducing the need to harvest virgin trees for pulp. For instance, recycling just 1 ton of cardboard could save over 17 trees.

Reduced Water Use
The pulping process required for producing paper based products uses a significant amount of water. By establishing cardboard recycling programs at your facilities, you might assist with reducing water consumption by over 7,000 gallons per ton of material recycled.

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Manufacturing paper from virgin trees uses significantly more energy than using recycled material (such as cardboard) as feedstock. Because of this, companies could help reduce energy consumption by over 5,000 Kwh per ton of cardboard they recycle. Also, by reducing energy requirements, you likely are assisting in lowering use of fossil fuels and other energy sources that produce greenhouse gasses. This means your company might help reduce 1 ton of CO2 emissions for every ton of cardboard you recycle, potentially helping the US reach its proposed greenhouse gas reduction targets of 17% by 2020.

Looking Forward
These are just a few of the positive impacts your company’s cardboard recycling program could have on the environment. Beyond these benefits, removing valuable recyclable commodities from your waste to landfill stream often decreases disposal costs and might generate thousands of dollars in revenue from recycling rebates. To learn more about the positive impacts your company could have from establishing a cardboard recycling program, contact us today.