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Home » Recyclability » How Is Glossy Cardboard Recyclable – Green Guide

How Is Glossy Cardboard Recyclable – Green Guide

If you want to recycle something, like a piece of cardboard, you can usually grab it and pour it into your recycling bin. But what if there’s something shiny in there?

If that doesn’t sound too weird, let me explain: when glossy cardboard arrives in the mail, it looks like ordinary cardboard but emerges from the bin into an entirely different world — one where all sorts of things are different.

What is the recyclability of Glossy Cardboard

Glossy cardboard is a type of paper that has a glossy surface. It can be used for printing, and the glossy finish helps it to look more attractive than other types of paper. Glossy cardboard is often used in packaging and for business applications such as letterhead, envelopes, and business cards.

How Glossy Cardboard Is Recycled

Glossy cardboard, also known as coated or waxed cardboard, is recyclable but may require special handling. The glossy or wax coating on the cardboard can make it more difficult for recycling facilities to process, as it can clog machinery and contaminate other recyclable materials.

Before recycling glossy cardboard, it is crucial to remove any plastic or non-recyclable materials and clean it as much as possible. It is also a good idea to check with your local recycling program to see if they accept glossy cardboard and if there are any specific guidelines for preparing it for recycling.

Alternatively, you could consider repurposing glossy cardboard, such as using it to make a craft or using it as compost.

Type Purpose of Use Bio-degradable Additional Information
Coated Recycled Board (CRB) Packaging, book covers, and folders No
Solid Bleached Board (SBB) Premium packaging, high-end brochures, and luxury packaging No
Coated Unbleached Kraft (CUK) Food packaging, cereal boxes, and cracker boxes No
Biodegradable glossy cardboard Packaging Yes Made from sustainable and biodegradable materials such as sugarcane or bamboo
Recyclable glossy cardboard Packaging Made from 100% recycled paper

Alternative Re-Use Of Glossy Cardboard

There are several alternative re-use options for glossy cardboard, some of which include:

  1. Arts and crafts: Glossy cardboard can be used for various crafts, such as making picture frames, photo albums, ornaments, and other decorative items.
  2. Packaging material: Glossy cardboard can be a protective layer for fragile items when shipping or moving.
  3. Composting: Glossy cardboard can be shredded and added to a compost pile, which will break down over time and provide valuable nutrients to the soil.
  4. Animal bedding: Glossy cardboard can be shredded and used as bedding for small pets such as guinea pigs or rabbits.
  5. Insulation: Glossy cardboard can be used as a temporary insulation material.
  6. Writing surface: Glossy cardboard can be used as a writing surface, such as a whiteboard, or as a background for presentations.
  7. Event decoration: Glossy cardboard can be cut and shaped into various forms to decorate events and gatherings.

Additional Tips

When recycling glossy cardboard, it is essential to follow safety and legal guidelines to ensure proper handling and disposal. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Check with your local recycling program: Before recycling glossy cardboard, check with your local recycling program to see if they accept it and if there are any specific guidelines for preparing it for recycling.
  • Remove any plastic or non-recyclable materials: Make sure to remove any plastic or non-recyclable materials, such as tape or labels, from the glossy cardboard before recycling it.
  • Clean the cardboard: Clean the cardboard as much as possible to remove any food residue or contaminants that can cause odors or attract pests.
  • Use protective gear: When handling glossy cardboard, use gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from sharp edges or debris.
  • Properly store: Store glossy cardboard in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent it from becoming wet or moldy.
  • Sort the materials: It’s vital to sort the materials. Glossy cardboard should be separated from other paper materials.
  • Follow the regulations: Be aware of the local, state, and federal regulations regarding the recycling of glossy cardboard and comply with them.
  • Dispose of hazardous waste properly: If the glossy cardboard has been in contact with hazardous materials, such as chemicals or oil, it should be disposed of as hazardous waste and not recycled.

FAQs

How do I prepare glossy cardboard for recycling?

To prepare glossy cardboard for recycling, remove any plastic or non-recyclable materials, such as tape or labels. Clean the cardboard as much as possible to remove any food residue or contaminants that can cause odors or attract pests. Sort the materials and store glossy cardboard in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent it from becoming wet or moldy.

Can glossy cardboard be recycled with regular cardboard?

No, glossy cardboard should not be recycled with regular cardboard. The glossy or wax coating on the cardboard can make it more difficult for recycling facilities to process, and it can contaminate other recyclable materials. It’s crucial to separate glossy cardboard from other paper materials to avoid contamination.

Is glossy cardboard safe to handle?

Glossy cardboard is safe to handle, but it’s essential to use gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from any sharp edges or debris. Proper storage and sorting of the materials are also crucial to handle glossy cardboard safely.

What should be done if glossy cardboard has been in contact with Hazardous materials?

If the glossy cardboard has been in contact with hazardous materials, such as chemicals or oil, it should be disposed of as hazardous waste and not recycled. Following local, state, and federal regulations regarding hazardous waste disposal is essential.

Conclusion

We want to end on a hopeful note. We all know the pollution problem, the landfill waste problem, and the plastic problem that is consuming our planet. We want to leave you with a final thought: if you’ve got a little bit of cardboard around, or even better, you’ve got some cardboard packaging, consider using it.

Use it as insulation for your house or as shipping packaging for your fragile things. Recycle old glossy cardboard and make something beautiful out of it. It doesn’t cost anything and requires special tools or equipment, so there’s no excuse for not recycling cardboard packaging! So recycle!

Author

  • Jen Wheeler

    Jen Wheeler, co-founder of Recycling-Revolution.com, holds degrees from UC Berkeley, Yale, and Stanford. A renowned environmentalist, she's championed sustainable practices at global events and leads EcoBright Solutions, focusing on recycling education and eco-friendly products.

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