Recycling Cardboard Boxes
Recycling cardboard is outdated and ineffective. The recycling process uses vast amounts of energy and water, while producing large volumes of carbon. In fact, recycling just 1 tonne of cardboard produces half a tonne of carbon and uses over 4,000 KW/H of energy. Cardboard boxes are not single use items and should not be treated as such. More companies than ever are now choosing to Divert Their Used Cardboard Boxes To Reuse. When you choose to reuse you get a more efficient waste handling process, a fixed income from waste and a solution that’s better for the planet. We are looking for more companies to join the Reuseabox family as suppliers.
Want to know more? Check out the most frequently asked questions we receive from companies just like yours.
Reuseabox Model: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a Reuseabox Model?
A Reuseabox Model enables you to stop recycling cardboard and sell it for reuse. Reuseabox collect your reusable cardboard boxes free of charge. We pay you a rebate for every box or sheet, giving you enhanced tracking over your cardboard waste. We then redistribute this reusable cardboard to other companies to use as low cost packaging. Find out more about the Reuseabox Process.
2. What kind of used boxes do you accept for reuse?
We accept most standard sizes of cardboard boxes. From small postal boxes and packing boxes, to pallet boxes and octabins. We can even take surplus packing supplies such as cardboard layer pads, stretch wrap or packing tape. For a Reuseabox Model to be most effective, we accept a minimum quantity of 1,000 small to medium boxes or 200 pallet boxes.
3. Can I run a Reuseabox Model alongside my current waste processes?
Yes! A Reuseabox Model is designed to run alongside your current processes. You can divert a specific type or size of cardboard box to reuse and continue recycling cardboard waste. This often happens in companies where one type of box is produced in large quantities and other, mixed sizes are produced in much smaller quantities. Reuseabox Models work best at scale, so we recommend diverting the boxes you get in large quantities to reuse.
4. Why is reuse better than recycling?
When you divert cardboard to reuse you elevate a ‘waste’ item up the waste hierarchy to be reused as a product. Reuse is an important part of the Circular Economy. When we keep materials in use for longer, we reduce waste and allow our natural resources time to regenerate. Find out more about Cardboard Box Reuse.
5. How much will it cost to implement a Reuse Model at my site?
Once set up, a Reuseabox Model will save you money. Diverting your used cardboard boxes to reuse is the most efficient way of disposing of your cardboard waste. By diverting reusable boxes at source, you can reduce your waste handling costs. All you need is pallet strapping equipment, pallet strapping and some spare wooden pallets. Find out how PPG Industries were able to cut costs and increase efficiencies in our interview with Project Manager Chris Smith:
6. Can you take a mixture of cardboard boxes?
We can accept different types and sizes of cardboard boxes or sheets. However, these must be sorted into pallets of the same type and size. We cannot take pallets of mixed boxes. If you produce multiple sizes of mixed boxes, we recommend recycling your cardboard.
7. Do you pay a rebate for the cardboard?
Yes. We pay a rebate for each cardboard box or sheet that is reused. Unlike the recycling rebate, a reuse rebate is fixed and does not fluctuate. According to Let’s Recycle, January 2020 – January 2021 saw the cardboard waste rate fluctuate by £25 per tonne.
When you send your cardboard for reuse, you receive a high, fixed rate. This provides you with a reliable, stable return on your cardboard waste.
8. Can the Reuseabox Model help with my waste reporting?
All our Reuseabox Suppliers receive a quarterly report detailing the environmental savings they have achieved over the last three months compared to recycling cardboard. This includes data such as carbon saved, trees saved, water and energy saved. We also plant a tree for every order placed for your used cardboard boxes. This data can be used for your waste reporting.
9. How often will you collect the cardboard?
Collections can be booked for a time and day to suit you. We usually collect a full trailer. A stand trailer can be provided if necessary.
10. Can you train my staff?
We offer free training and visual aids to help you set up your Reuseabox Model. After an initial site inspection, our staff will provide on-site training for segregating and packing your used cardboard boxes. We can also advise on the purchase of equipment such as pallet strapping tools.
Summary
Implementing a Reuseabox Model at your site will enable you to streamline your waste processes. It’s also the most sustainable and socially responsible way of managing your waste cardboard. It’s free to join and there are minimal start up costs. With free collections, training and advice, it really is a no brainer. Ready to stop recycling cardboard? To request a call back, simply fill out our Become A Supplier Form and a member of the team will be in touch.
P.S – Want to find out how a similar company implemented a Reuseabox Model at their site? Check out our Full Interview with Project Manager Chris Smith at PPG Industries.