Corugated Cardboard Now Included with Curbside Recycling

NOTE: The following was released by Orange County government. For more information, contact the Orange County Solid Waste Management Department by e-mail or by phone at 968-2788. A postcard on corrugated cardboard recycling may be viewed here.

 

11/6/08 — As of Monday, Nov. 3, residents of Orange County who have curbside recycling may include corrugated cardboard with the items they place at the curb for collection.  Corrugated cardboard has three layers with a wavy inner layer. It is the type of box often used for shipping. In order to recycle corrugated cardboard at the curb it must be empty, flattened, and cut or folded into pieces no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet. There is a maximum of 10 pieces per collection day.

Cardboard may be placed between two recycling bins, under one bin or inside the recycling bin devoted to “all paper.” Pieces larger than three feet or more than 10 pieces must be taken to a recycling drop-off site or solid waste convenience center. Whole boxes not broken down flat or of a larger size will not be collected. Cardboard contaminated with paint, oil, food or other substances should be placed in the trash. All packing material should be removed and discarded.

Before now, corrugated cardboard could be recycled only at drop-off sites, not at the curb. County Recycling Programs Manager Rob Taylor says, “Based on previous waste sorting information, we project that as much as 500 tons per year of additional cardboard may be recycled that is now thrown out. We may also see some reduction in the use of recycling drop-off sites as cardboard may now be recycled at the curb. Cardboard was the last remaining material that could be recycled only at drop-off sites.”

Solid Waste Director Gayle Wilson added, “People of Orange County have requested this service for some time, and we’re glad we can now provide it. We look forward to increased recycling at the curb.”

Those living in apartment complexes should continue to take cardboard to dedicated cardboard dumpsters rather than place it in recycling roll carts. If your complex does not have a cardboard dumpster, ask the management how cardboard is handled at your complex.