CARDBOARD

Where can I recycle? »

The main types of cardboard we find at home are corrugated cardboard (i.e. packing boxes) and the types used for food and drink packaging - such as cereal boxes, egg cartons, cardboard sleeves or boxes from ready meals etc. Both types are recyclable but councils sometimes collect them separately. Check with your council to find out more about your local recycling scheme.

Alternatively you can take it to the local recycling centre.

With so many of us buying items online, we often have lots of cardboard boxes to dispose of...

Re-use them...

• Cardboard boxes are useful for storage - remember to write the contents on the box so you can see at a glance what it contains!
• Cardboard can be used to provide insulation to delicate plants over the winter months - cut pieces of cardboard to fit around existing shrubs and plants, cover with mulch or soil. An advantage of doing this is that the cardboard will decompose into the soil and enhance its structure;
• Large cardboard boxes make great toy boxes - try decorating with left-over wallpaper or get creative with scraps of fabric to jazz them up a bit!
• Kids love to play with cardboard boxes - especially the very big boxes. Just add imagination and they can be anything from play houses to fire engines!
• Use a cardboard box to collect your recycling in - then you won't have to separate it later!

Pass them on...

• Ask family and friends if they need them - large cardboard boxes are handy if moving house and smaller boxes are great for storage;
• Local schools or playgroups might find them useful for craft projects.

Recycle them...

• Cardboard is widely recycled - check with your council to see if you can include it with your other household recycling;
• Cardboard is accepted at most household waste recycling centres.

What else can I do with cardboard?

• Egg boxes and other cardboard can be home composted.