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Cardboard: Recycle, Toss, or Give It Away?

Posted on 30/08/2025


Cardboard is an ubiquitous part of daily life, used in everything from packaging to shipping boxes. Given its prevalence, the question often arises: should you recycle, toss, or give it away? This article delves into each option, examining the pros and cons, offering tips, and providing a comprehensive conclusion. Read on to make an informed decision next time you encounter a mountain of cardboard.

Recycling Cardboard


Recycling cardboard is one of the most eco-friendly options available. The process involves collecting used cardboard, transporting it to recycling facilities, breaking it down, and then reforming it into new products.

The Benefits of Recycling Cardboard


1. Environmental Impact: Recycling cardboard significantly reduces the number of trees cut down for new paper products.
2. Energy Savings: Recycled cardboard requires less energy to process compared to producing new cardboard from raw materials.
3. Waste Reduction: By recycling, you help reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills.

How to Properly Recycle Cardboard


1. Check Local Guidelines: Some municipalities have specific rules about cardboard recycling, such as whether it needs to be flattened.
2. Remove Contaminants: Make sure to remove any non-cardboard materials like tape, labels, or plastic.
3. Clean and Dry: Ensure the cardboard is clean and dry; contaminated cardboard can spoil an entire batch of recycling.

Boxes boxes / shipping boxes

Tossing Cardboard


While tossing cardboard into the trash is the easiest route, it's the least eco-friendly option. Cardboard in landfills contributes to environmental issues like methane gas production and slower decomposition.

The Downsides of Tossing Cardboard


1. Environmental Impact: When cardboard decomposes in a landfill, it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
2. Resource Waste: Throwing away cardboard wastes the raw materials and energy used to produce it.
3. Space Consumption: Cardboard takes up valuable space in landfills, hastening their reach to maximum capacity.

Giving Cardboard Away


Giving away cardboard can be a creative and community-focused solution. From donating to schools or artists to offering it on community sharing platforms, there are several ways to get rid of cardboard without contributing to waste.

Benefits of Giving Away Cardboard


1. Community Use: Schools and artists often require cardboard for projects and various activities.
2. Reusing Materials: By giving it away, you are contributing to the culture of reuse, which is just as important as recycling.
3. Decluttering: It helps you clear out space while providing a valuable resource to someone in need.

Where to Give Away Cardboard


1. Local Schools: Many schools appreciate donations for arts and crafts.
2. Community Centers: Check with local community centers or bulletin boards for posts seeking cardboard.
3. Online Platforms: Websites like Freecycle or social media platforms often have people looking for free cardboard.

Pros and Cons

Recycling


Pros
- Environmentally friendly
- Saves energy
- Reduces landfill waste

Cons
- Requires effort to clean and sort
- Dependent on local recycling programs

Tossing


Pros
- Quick and convenient

Cons
- Harmful to the environment
- Wastes resources
- Contributes to landfill overflow

Giving Away


Pros
- Benefits the community
- Promotes reuse
- Clears clutter effectively

Cons
- Requires time and effort to find takers
- Not always a reliable method

Tips


1. Flatten Boxes: Always flatten boxes for easier storage and recycling.
2. Remove Contaminants: Cut off any non-cardboard elements like tape.
3. Stay Informed: Check local recycling and donation options.
4. Plan Ahead: Keep a designated spot for storing recyclable cardboard.
5. Spread the Word: Encourage others in your community to recycle or give away their cardboard.

Boxes boxes / shipping boxes

Takeaways


1. Recycling cardboard is an eco-friendly way to deal with it.
2. Tossing cardboard should be a last resort due to its environmental impact.
3. Giving it away can serve the community and promote a culture of reuse.
4. Educate yourself on local options and guidelines to make the most responsible choice.

Conclusion


Cardboard disposal presents multiple options, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Recycling is the most environmentally friendly choice, but it requires effort and compliance with local guidelines. Tossing cardboard is convenient but environmentally damaging. Giving it away can benefit others while disposing of it responsibly. By understanding the pros and cons of each option and following useful tips, you can make better decisions about handling cardboard. Responsible disposal contributes to a healthier planet and a more resource-efficient community.

Jake Bedding
Jake Bedding

As an authority in removals, Jake excels in producing useful articles that span various removals themes, featuring valuable tips for packing and unpacking. His guidance has been a linchpin in facilitating stress-free moves for hundreds of individuals.


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I've used many house removals companies in the past but none has met the high quality standard of Man with Van London. They were truly outstanding during a recent move and I was very impressed with the professionalism of all the staff, from the removal guys to the customer service team. Will be back soon!

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There aren't too many removal firms that I'd trust more than London Man and a Van. I appreciate the cheap prices and the dedication they give to their loyal customers.

L

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I am always on the look out for excellent tradesmen, and if I find them, then they are worth writing about, so that others can benefit from their skills. We used LondonManandVan for our removal last week, and the resulting move was impeccable. I found that there was a huge amount that I did not know about the removals industry, that would have slowed me down considerably if I had not had them on board. You can't underestimate how big of a deal having a good team on your side is, so I recommend giving them a call right away!

H

For such a low price we are still totally awestruck by how professional and hard working the guys from LondonManandVan were. To be honest I wasn't expecting much from such a cheap domestic removals service but I was utterly blown away by how much effort they put in to help me out. They worked tirelessly to get me moved and made sure I hit my deadline saving me a lot of stress and worry. Absolute diamonds.

T

Overall, our time with Men and Vans London could not have been better; every staff member we encountered was gracious, respectful and sufficiently qualified for the job at hand.

D

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Y

When I hired Van and Man London, I expected regular services, but I got much more. The staff in the company communicated with me so effectively from the time I hired them. They did not hesitate to offer me a free quote for the removal. I offered to pack my stuff and leave them with the task to load, move and unload my property. They were very efficient and careful when handling my goods. No hitch occurred, and I can say for sure that these are the best movers around.

P

The movers were tremendously attentive and did their utmost to ensure I was at ease during the process. I thoroughly recommend LondonManandVan because of the personable nature of their team and the standard of their services.

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H

Was let down at the last minute by another removal company (which I will leave un-named) and managed to find these guys to help me out at what was literally the last minute. It was only a removal van, none of the trimmings, but it certainly saved my house move from going under. The team at LondonManandVan really did everything they could to find me something, much more than what the other firm did - so needless to say, I will be going to these guys right from the off in the future!

C

Men and Vans London are great! My friend Lucy recommended them to me last month as I began to plan our big move. Me and husband Eric have three kids; Josh, Peter and Kelly who are all toddlers and at times a right handful. Eric and I are exhausted most days caring for our little ones! I want to thank the company for providing me with an excellent service. The move was really great!

B

I hired Man with Van London to take all my stock and equipment from a small retail store to a much larger one. Fast, efficient and no breakages at all. My business was up and running again within a couple of days and all the stock was still in one piece. Very happy with their amazing attention and care with my belongings.

M

Expertly done house removal for a reasonable price. Would hire again!

S

LondonManandVan are a top domestic removals company. I've used them once and will be glad to use them again when I next move.

I

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M

Man with a Van London were an excellent removals company to deal with. They were very helpful and mightily professional. They're highly recommended.

J

Moving can be quite stressful, however Van and Man London managed every aspect wonderfully and completely removed all my worries throughout the process. I'm very impressed by what they achieved on the day!

J

I was very impressed with the packing service I used when moving office. As I had a lot of sensitive electronic equipment I wanted the professionals. I hired LondonManandVan and they did a marvelous affordable job, packing everything with care and diligently.

O

London Man and a Van helped me pack my belonging and unpack them in my new home. I am happy with the result and the price for the whole move was reasonable.

M

I hired their movers and got an incredible moving service at a reasonable cost. I had so many household goods but they took care of them all with ease. I took advantage of their special offer and save lots of money! Thank you Man with a Van London!

I

I was thoroughly impressed with how quickly and efficiently the movers from LondonManandVan worked during my move.

T

I hired a man with van team from LondonManandVan to help with my move last week and it was amazing. They packed my things with me, managed to move every heavy object and box and drove it all to my new home without any problems. I couldn't believe the hard work they put in and the terrific moving results they produced are a huge credit to this fantastic team.

L

Thanks to Men and Vans London my recent office relocation was incredibly smooth and stress free. I was actually very worried beforehand as I had heard about how bad and inconvenient office moves can be - this was until I found this company. They moved our office belongings in just an hour or two and I did not experience tons of business downtime either! Thank you so much!

A

I was very pleased with Men and Vans London who shifted some bulky industrial machinery for me to a storage unit. The man and with hire was perfect and the driver did the safe loading, delivery and unloading and it was all included in the price. Excellent service!

H

They conducted themselves with utmost respect and consideration, leaving no room for doubt or confusion about any point discussed. All my concerns were resolved according to your promise. Remarkable customer service!

A

Most other removal companies would've charged a lot more for my type of move. This company gave me a very reasonable quote. They carried out an amazing service for me on the day. They were just all-round brilliant.

M

I did plenty of research, looked into removal companies to hire before I chose this company for my move. Everything that was being said online about them was right. They are the best in the business in my book.

A

A removal company that offer great prices and excellent removal services! Would hire no one other than London Man and Van! Picked the company I can trust.

M

From start to finish, the customer service team at these movers made sure that I had a great experience.

T

I got a number of removal van hire quotes for my move before settling on this company. They were the cheapest. It's safe to assume, after the top service they provided, they were better than others too.

B

As luck would have it, I stumbled upon Van and Man London during their work on another resident's relocation process.

K

Found Man with Van London when I was looking for low-cost house moving solutions. Got an efficient service at reasonable price!

O

London Man and a Van knows what it takes to provide an outstanding removals service. Their team carry out jobs to a high standard, and they have their pricing strategy sorted too - a cheap and brilliant service.

D

I needed to hire a removals company when I started my home business. This company is the best! They got me to my new home during the peak of road construction season. Nothing was broken or damaged, even though the trip was on several rocky roads. They took the utmost care to ensuring my fragile items would be delivered safely. Can't tell them how much I appreciated that!

M

I would hire this moving company again in a heartbeat! Their movers were so helpful and they work very fast. It doesn't hurt that they charge much less than the other companies in London.

N

We had an unbeatable experience with the movers who handled everything perfectly without any need for supervision or support, and the van was also spacious and well-equipped.

M

I was going to mark down the plus points and negative points of this company but when I think back to my moving day I honestly can't think of any real negative points at all. The job was done so well and, maybe I was just lucky, but everything went according to plan. I don't think it was just luck in all honesty because the checking and planning of this company did beforehand was excellent. The actual removal men were fantastic and I only have praise for them. One thing's for sure, if I ever have to move again, then I would certainly use LondonManandVan again.

E

Glad I listened to the reviews of Van and Man London as I also found them to be very competent and reliable movers.

K

Went to London Man and a Van for their famous man and van hire and I have to say, I am quite happy with what I got. They provided me with a wonderful van at a cheap rate and a very helpful mover who handled the work I had for him like a true professional. Love that they need as few instructions as possible and nevertheless do a comprehensive job with everything. The customer service is friendly too and the prices are excellent. Definitely among the best companies around!

A

It is easy to see what a great company Man with a Van London is. Right away I was impressed with their workmanship, which has made them a lifelong client.

K

Instead of taking weeks like it would have if we'd done it ourselves, London Man and Van completed our office relocation in just a couple of days with minimal fuss, and lots of expert input and advice. Would use again if, God forbid, I ever have to organise another move.

F

I have ever a more friendly yet professional team of movers. They did a splendid job helping us. They also have very reasonable prices. London Man and Van is the very best in the trade.

M

My office removal experience was hassle-free for a reasonable price. There was no delay, as the movers came prepared with enough packing boxes and moving equipment. Thank you, Man with a Van London!

M
London Man and Van
Company name: London Man and Van
Telephone: 020 8746 4330
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 07:00-00:00
Street address: 2 Annabel Close
Postal code: E14 6DP
City: Poplar
Country: United Kingdom
Latitude: 51.5121060 Longitude: -0.0192090
E-mail: office@londonmanandvan.com
Web:
Description: Man and van services in London, small moves and van hire. A moving company offering free quotes for house and office relocation in the UK and moving abroad
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