Is Cardboard Recyclable? A Guide For Australian Homes And Businesses
Short answer: yes, cardboard is recyclable — and it’s one of the most widely collected materials across Australia. From online shopping boxes at home to bulk packaging in warehouses, cardboard waste is everywhere. The key is knowing how to recycle it properly, and what to do if you're managing large volumes on-site.
Let’s take a closer look.
What Types of Cardboard Can Be Recycled in Australia?
Most local councils and commercial waste contractors in Australia accept two main types of cardboard:
- Corrugated cardboard – commonly used for shipping cartons and industrial packaging.
- Paperboard – thinner cardboard, like cereal boxes and tissue boxes.
Both are recyclable through kerbside bins and commercial waste services — as long as they’re clean and dry.
What Contaminates Cardboard Recycling?
Cardboard can be contaminated easily. If it’s too soiled or wet, it can’t be processed. Common culprits include:
- Grease or oil (e.g. pizza boxes)
- Plastic liners or shrink wrap
- Water damage or mould
Contaminated loads can result in entire bales being rejected — especially in commercial facilities. That means more waste going to landfill, and higher processing costs.
What Happens to Cardboard After Collection?
Once picked up, cardboard is transported to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) where it’s sorted, shredded, pulped, cleaned and pressed into new sheets. These sheets are then used to make new boxes, cartons, or recycled paper products.
Most Australian recycling facilities rely on industrial-grade equipment at every step — from shredders and balers to compactors and sorters.
How Australian Businesses Can Recycle Cardboard More Efficiently
If you're running a warehouse, distribution centre, or manufacturing site in Australia, you probably deal with a mountain of cardboard waste each week. Here's how to manage it better:
- Flatten boxes to reduce collection volume.
- Remove plastic, tape, and strapping before binning or baling.
- Invest in commercial recycling equipment like balers, shredders, or compactors.
Doing this cuts down on waste costs, improves recycling rates, and keeps your site tidy.
How Telford Smith Supports Cardboard Recycling in Australia
Telford Smith helps businesses across Australia turn cardboard waste into something more manageable — and more profitable.
We supply a wide range of cardboard recycling equipment, including:
- Balers to compact cardboard for transport or resale
- Industrial shredders to prepare material for recycling
- Sorting and compacting systems for larger recycling facilities
We work with warehouses, manufacturers, logistics companies, and local councils across the country. Whether you need a compact unit for a tight space or a fully integrated solution, we’ll help you find the right fit.
Looking to reduce your cardboard waste?
Telford Smith are the official suppliers or Orwak, offers local support, proven equipment, and decades of experience in the Australian recycling industry.
Get in touch with our team today to find the right equipment for your operation.
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