What Is Cardboard Made Of & How to Recycle It
What Is Cardboard Made Of & How to Recycle It (Full Guide)
Cardboard is one of the most common packaging materials in the world but what is cardboard made of, and how do you recycle it the right way? In this guide, we break down the materials, the recycling process, and how you can help reduce waste at home.
What Is Cardboard Made Of?
Cardboard is made mainly from wood pulp, recycled paper, and fibers that are pressed and layered into strong sheets. The exact materials may differ based on the type:
1. Corrugated Cardboard (the most common type)
Made of three layers:
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Outer liner (kraft paper)
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Inner liner
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Wavy fluted layer (strength support)
2. Paperboard/Cardstock
A single, smooth layer used for:
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Cereal boxes
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Shoe boxes
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Tissue boxes
3. Recycled Content
Most cardboard today includes 70–100% recycled fibers, which reduces the need for fresh trees and lowers environmental impact.
How Is Cardboard Made? (Quick Breakdown for a Featured Snippet)
Cardboard is made by pulping wood fibers or recycled paper, removing contaminants, pressing the fibers into sheets, layering them, and heat-drying them into stiff boards.
Is Cardboard a Recyclable Material?
Yes! Cardboard is one of the easiest and most valuable materials to recycle. Most curbside recycling programs accept it.
How to Recycle Cardboard Properly
Follow these simple steps to ensure your cardboard actually gets recycled:
1. Remove All Contaminants
Take off:
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Tape
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Plastic labels
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Styrofoam
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Food residue
2. Flatten the Boxes
This saves space and speeds up processing.
3. Keep It Dry
Wet cardboard becomes weak and may be rejected at recycling centers.
4. Separate Soiled Cardboard
Greasy pizza boxes or stained packaging:
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Top clean part? Recycle
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Greasy bottom? Compost or trash
5. Use Local Recycling Bins or Drop-Off Centers
Many cities offer:
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Curbside pickup
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Community recycling bins
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Waste management facilities
How Is Cardboard Recycled? (Easy Step-by-Step)
Is cardboard recyclable? Here’s the basic recycling process:
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Collection – Cardboard is gathered from homes and businesses.
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Sorting – Clean cardboard is separated from contaminated materials.
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Shredding – Cardboard is shredded into small pieces.
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Pulping – Shreds are mixed with water and chemicals to form pulp.
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Filtering – Ink, tape, and glue are removed.
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Pressing & Rolling – Clean pulp is formed into new sheets.
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Drying – Sheets are heated and dried.
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Reforming – Fibers are turned into new boxes, paperboard, or packaging.
Why Recycling Cardboard Matters
Recycling cardboard helps:
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Reduce landfill waste
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Lower greenhouse gas emissions
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Save trees and water
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Cut energy use
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Support a circular economy
Types of Cardboard That Cannot Be Recycled
The different types of cardboard. Some cardboard is not recyclable if it is:
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Wet and moldy
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Coated with wax (like some produce boxes)
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Soiled with food or oil
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Laminated with plastic or foil
FAQ: Cardboard Materials & Recycling
1. What material is cardboard made of?
Cardboard is made from wood pulp, recycled paper fibers, and kraft paper, pressed into sturdy layers.
2. Can all cardboard be recycled?
Most cardboard is recyclable, except soiled, wax-coated, or heavily laminated pieces.
3. Do I need to remove tape before recycling?
Removing tape is helpful, but small leftover pieces are usually filtered out during processing.
4. Is cardboard compostable?
Yes—uncoated, clean cardboard can be composted and helps add carbon (“browns”) to compost piles.
5. Why is cardboard recycling important?
It saves resources, reduces pollution, and keeps reusable materials out of landfills.
Conclusion: Start Recycling Cardboard Today
Cardboard is made from renewable, recyclable fibers—and recycling it is one of the easiest ways to protect the environment. With a few simple steps, you can help reduce waste and support sustainable manufacturing.
Ready to make a difference?
Start recycling your cardboard today and share these tips to help others do the same.