Environmental Accountability Made Easy
Serving 500+ locations in all 50 states  ·  512-630-5108

Is Recycling Worth It?

A large pile of scrap metal and waste at a landfill against a cloudy sky.

A cardboard bale pickup service is a recycling service that collects large, compressed bundles of cardboard that have been compacted using a baler machine. Businesses that generate a high volume of cardboard use this service to efficiently manage waste, reduce disposal costs, and maintain a clean, organized workspace. The service typically includes scheduled or on-demand […]

Is recycling worth It?

A hand painted green holds a fresh plant sprout against a light background, symbolizing growth and sustainability.

Why do we recycle cardboard? Is it even important? Recycling cardboard is very important and one of the most effective recycling actions you can take. Cardboard is made from wood pulp, so recycling it helps save trees and conserves natural resources. It also uses far less water and energy than producing new cardboard from raw […]

Cardboard projections

Spilled jar of pennies creating a pattern of coins representing savings and finance.

In 2024 and early 2025, OCC experienced a roller-coaster ride: after a mid 2024 spike with prices reportedly up roughly 245% year-over-year  the market reversed sharply. By December 2024, U.S. OCC prices had dropped to around US $66/ton, falling ~17% year-over-year and ~11% month-over-month. This slump largely reflects weakened demand for corrugated box shipments and […]

Charming white kitten resting on cardboard, showcasing curiosity and cuteness indoors.

Government Shut Down & OCC It’s unlikely that a government shutdown would have a major, direct impact on the OCC  or cardboard‑recycling business—at least not compared to forces like global market demand, export restrictions, or fiber pricing—but there could be some secondary effects. For example, a shutdown might slow down customs, trade, or regulatory functions […]

OCC Future Outlook

Artistic paper cutouts of question marks creating a conceptual design on a brown surface.

The future of OCC cardboard looks promising as sustainability becomes a growing global priority. With increasing demand for recycled materials and the push for circular economies, OCC cardboard is poised to play a central role in packaging and supply chains. Advancements in recycling technologies are improving the efficiency and quality of recovered fibers, making OCC […]

OCC positive impacts on the economy

A dollar bill imprisoned in a decorative cage symbolizing financial confinement.

The OCC recycling industry—including collection, sorting, processing, and manufacturing—supports thousands of jobs across sectors like waste management, transportation, and paper production. Reduces raw material costs by supplying recycled fiber, OCC recycling lowers the demand for virgin materials like wood pulp, which helps reduce production costs for manufacturers and stabilizes prices. Boosted Domestic Industry many U.S. […]

The OCC market

Close-up of a cardboard protest sign with 'Eco Not Ego' message at a climate rally.

The OCC recycling market is currently experiencing a wave of innovation and growth, driven by increasing awareness of sustainability and the push for a circular economy. With a focus on diverting organic waste from landfills, the OCC recycling market has become a vital part of reducing carbon footprints and promoting environmental responsibility. The sector is […]

Cardboard Everywhere!

carton, corrugated cardboard, cardboard, nature, paper, packaging, packing material, structure, transport, logistics, recycling, shipment, background, postcard, map, floral background, beautiful flowers, gift, surprise, ribbon, flower wallpaper, flower background, flower, blossom, bloom, beautiful wallpaper, daisy, rubber stamp, iphone wallpaper

Cardboard is everywhere, from the mountain of delivery boxes piling up in your entryway to the packaging that lines grocery store shelves. But once we break them down and toss them in the bin, what really happens? As it turns out, cardboard recycling is one of the most important—and successful—parts of the recycling system in […]

Landfill VS Recycling

Recycling cardboard is significantly more sustainable than sending it to a landfill. Recycling cardboard offers numerous environmental and economic advantages compared to disposing of it in landfills. Cardboard is one of the most easily recyclable materials, and when properly processed, it can be reused multiple times to create new packaging, paper products, and building materials. […]

A Smart Move for Business and the Planet

Flat lay of art materials featuring a recycle-themed note and calligraphy tools.

Cardboard is one of the most commonly used packaging materials worldwide. From shipping boxes to product packaging, it’s everywhere—and often ends up as waste. But recycling cardboard, especially in the form of bales, offers a range of powerful benefits for businesses and the environment.  Baling cardboard compresses it into manageable, compact bundles. This not only […]