Grime To DimeHow to Recycle Cardboard in Howard County
The short answer: Flatten boxes, remove plastic/Styrofoam, and place in your curbside recycling bin. Cardboard is one of the easiest things to recycle!
What Cardboard Can Be Recycled?
YES - Recycle
- Shipping boxes (Amazon, etc.)
- Cereal and food boxes
- Shoe boxes
- Paper towel/toilet paper rolls
- Egg cartons (paper)
NO - Trash
- Greasy pizza boxes
- Wax-coated boxes (frozen food)
- Wet or moldy cardboard
- Boxes with food residue
- Styrofoam-lined boxes
How to Prepare Cardboard
- Break down all boxes – Flatten them to save bin space and make collection easier.
- Remove plastic and Styrofoam – Bubble wrap, air pillows, and foam inserts go in the trash.
- Keep it dry – Wet cardboard can't be recycled. Don't leave it in the rain.
- Place in recycling bin – Or beside the bin if boxes are too large to fit.
Pro Tip
After holidays or moving, you'll have lots of boxes. Break them down, stack flat, and tie with string if they won't fit in the bin. They'll still be collected!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recycle cardboard with tape on it?
Yes! Small amounts of tape are filtered out during recycling. Remove excessive tape if it's easy, but don't stress about it.
What about cardboard with staples?
Staples are fine—they're removed during the recycling process. No need to remove them.
Can I put cardboard in a plastic bag?
No! Plastic bags jam recycling equipment. Place cardboard loose in the bin or tied with string.
Drowning in Moving Boxes?
After a move, you might have mountains of cardboard. If it's too much for curbside, we can haul it away.
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