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Recycling Center Near Me

Cardboard Recycling Near Me

Cardboard is accepted free at nearly every drop-off recycling center and in most curbside programs. Flatten boxes, remove packing materials and keep them dry. Greasy, wet or food-soiled cardboard usually can't be recycled.

How to prepare cardboard for recycling

  1. Break down and flatten boxes so they fit in the container.
  2. Remove packing peanuts, foam, plastic film and excess tape if you can.
  3. Keep cardboard dry — wet cardboard is often rejected.
  4. Cut large boxes down to the size your center's container accepts.

What usually isn't accepted

  • Greasy pizza box bottoms and food-soiled cardboard
  • Waxed cardboard (some produce boxes) and cardboard coated with plastic
  • Wet or moldy cardboard

Will I get paid, or is there a fee?

Free for households. Large, clean volumes can be sold to commercial buyers, but individuals rarely get paid.

Common questions about cardboard recycling

Can I recycle pizza boxes?

The clean top can usually be recycled. Tear off and trash the greasy bottom, since grease contaminates paper recycling.

Do I have to remove tape and labels?

Usually not. A little tape is fine. Remove large amounts of plastic tape or packing material where you can.

Cities with cardboard recycling