Recycling Program
When a box reaches end of life, we ensure it is recycled responsibly. Zero landfill. Full documentation. Real environmental impact.
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Our Recycling Process
From collection to new products — here is exactly how your used boxes get a second life through our 8-step recycling process.
Collection
Our fleet picks up your end-of-life packaging materials on a schedule that fits your operations. We provide containers and baling equipment as needed for on-site storage between pickups.
Sorting
At our processing facility, all collected materials are sorted by type — corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, plastics, wood, and other materials. This maximizes the value and recycling potential of every load.
Inspection
Sorted materials are inspected for contaminants such as food waste, liquids, tape residue, and non-recyclable coatings. Contaminated materials are separated and handled through appropriate disposal channels.
Baling
Clean, sorted cardboard is compressed into dense bales using industrial baling equipment. Baling reduces volume by up to 90%, making transportation efficient and cost-effective.
Transport to Mill
Baled materials are loaded onto trucks and transported to certified recycling mills. We work exclusively with mills that meet our environmental and quality standards.
Pulping
At the mill, cardboard bales are mixed with water and chemicals to break down the fibers into a slurry called pulp. Contaminants like staples, tape, and coatings are removed during this process.
Processing
The cleaned pulp is screened, de-inked if necessary, and refined to prepare it for papermaking. The processed fiber is then formed into sheets on a paper machine and dried.
New Products
The finished recycled paper becomes new boxes, packaging, tissue products, and other paper goods. The cycle begins again — your old boxes literally become someone else's new packaging.
Environmental Impact Tracking
We don't just recycle — we measure the impact. Our environmental tracking gives you real numbers to demonstrate your sustainability commitment.
How We Calculate
Our environmental impact calculations use EPA-recognized conversion factors and methodology. We track every ton of material from collection through final processing, applying industry-standard metrics for carbon savings, energy reduction, and resource conservation.
What We Track
We measure total tons recycled, landfill diversion rate, CO2 emissions avoided, gallons of water saved, kilowatt-hours of energy conserved, and number of trees preserved. Every metric is tied to verified recycling volumes.
Sample Report Metrics
A typical mid-size client recycling 50 tons per year diverts 100% from landfill, saves approximately 850 trees, conserves 350,000 gallons of water, avoids 30 tons of CO2 emissions, and saves 150,000 kWh of energy.
Recycling vs. Reuse
Not every box should be recycled. We help you determine whether reuse or recycling makes the most environmental and economic sense.
When to Reuse
- Box is structurally sound with intact flaps and corners
- Minimal water damage, stains, or contamination
- Standard size that is in demand on the secondary market
- Cost of new replacement is significantly higher than used value
- Environmental impact of reuse is lower than recycling
Reusing a box saves approximately 7x more energy than recycling it. We always prioritize reuse when the box quality allows.
When to Recycle
- Box is torn, crushed, or structurally compromised
- Significant water damage, mold, or contamination
- Non-standard size with limited resale demand
- Wax-coated or specially treated surfaces
- Mixed or heavily taped materials that reduce reuse value
Even when a box can no longer be reused, recycling recovers 98% of the fiber for new products. Nothing goes to waste.
Certifications & Compliance
Our recycling program meets the highest industry standards. We maintain all required certifications and comply with every applicable regulation.
SFI Certified Partners
Our recycling mill partners are certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, ensuring responsible fiber sourcing and processing practices throughout the supply chain.
FSC Chain of Custody
We maintain Forest Stewardship Council chain-of-custody documentation, providing traceability from collection through processing to final recycled product.
State Permits & Licensing
Box Recycle holds all required state permits for waste hauling, material processing, and recycling operations in every jurisdiction where we operate.
EPA Compliance
Our recycling operations fully comply with all Environmental Protection Agency regulations including clean air, clean water, and solid waste management standards.
Documentation & Reporting
Complete transparency and accountability. Our reporting package gives you everything you need for compliance, auditing, and sustainability communications.
Chain of Custody Reports
Track your materials from pickup to final processing. Our chain-of-custody documentation provides full traceability showing where your boxes went and how they were recycled.
Volume Reports
Monthly and annual reports detail exact tonnage collected, sorted, recycled, and diverted from landfill. Data is broken down by material type for granular analysis.
Carbon Offset Certificates
Quantified environmental impact statements showing CO2 emissions avoided, trees preserved, water saved, and energy conserved through your recycling program.
ESG Reporting Data
Pre-formatted data packages compatible with major ESG reporting frameworks including GRI, SASB, and CDP. Simplify your sustainability reporting with our ready-to-use metrics.
Recycling FAQ
Answers to common recycling questions. Need more detail? Our sustainability team is happy to help.
What materials do you accept for recycling?
We accept all types of corrugated cardboard, paperboard, mixed paper, cardboard bales, and packaging materials. We also handle contaminated or wet cardboard that cannot be reused. Contact us about non-standard materials — we can usually find a recycling solution.
How is your recycling different from putting boxes in a dumpster?
Standard waste haulers often send cardboard to landfill or mixed-waste facilities with low diversion rates. Our program guarantees 100% landfill diversion with certified processing, full documentation, and environmental reporting. You know exactly where your materials go.
Can you provide documentation for sustainability reporting?
Absolutely. We provide chain-of-custody reports, volume tracking, carbon offset certificates, and ESG-ready data packages. Our reporting meets the requirements of GRI, SASB, CDP, and most corporate sustainability frameworks.
What does your recycling program cost?
Pricing depends on your volume, location, and pickup frequency. For high-volume generators, our recycling program can actually generate revenue through commodity payments. For smaller volumes, we offer competitive rates that are often less than standard waste hauling.
How often can you schedule pickups?
We offer daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and on-demand pickup schedules. Most clients start with weekly or bi-weekly service and adjust frequency as needed. We can also provide on-site baling equipment to reduce pickup frequency.
Do you recycle boxes with tape, labels, and staples?
Yes. Modern recycling processes effectively remove tape, labels, staples, and most adhesives during the pulping stage. However, boxes that are relatively clean recycle more efficiently, so we recommend removing large amounts of tape when practical.