In the United States, around 80% of all products sold are packaged in cardboard. However, a shocking 850 million tons of paper and cardboard are thrown away and end up in landfills across the United States annually. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that paper and cardboard materials represent the largest component of municipal solid waste. Why does this matter? By not disposing of cardboard properly, you miss an opportunity to be more environmentally friendly and free up space for neighbors to also use the recycling bins.
To optimize recycling container(s) space, always break down cardboard waste. Follow these easy steps:
- Turn your box upside down. Slice along the center bottom tape seam with a box cutter, scissors or a knife.
- Repeat this under the two flaps on each end of the box, freeing the tape at the edges.
- Pull all four flaps straight up so that all edges on either end move freely up and down.
- Lightly push and twist in until the box collapses on itself—flattened and ready to be stacked in your container.
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