For many small businesses, cardboard is a staple material. Whether it’s for packaging, shipping, or storing products, cardboard is everywhere. While cardboard is often considered a sustainable material, it still has a significant environmental impact if not managed correctly. One of the key issues is what happens when cardboard ends up in a landfill.

How Long Does Cardboard Take to Decompose in a Landfill?

Cardboard is a biodegradable material, meaning it will eventually break down. In ideal composting conditions, such as a moist environment with plenty of oxygen, cardboard can decompose within 2 to 3 months. However, landfills do not provide these ideal conditions. Due to limited oxygen and moisture, the decomposition process slows considerably.

In a landfill, cardboard can take anywhere from 5 months to over a year to decompose. During this time, the cardboard doesn’t just sit harmlessly in the ground. As it breaks down, it can produce methane—a greenhouse gas that is significantly more potent than carbon dioxide. Methane contributes to climate change and can have a detrimental effect on the environment.

The Environmental Impact of Landfill-Bound Cardboard

When cardboard ends up in a landfill, it contributes to the growing problem of waste accumulation. Landfills are designed to contain waste, but as they fill up, they become a source of pollution. Cardboard that decomposes slowly in these conditions releases methane gas, which accelerates climate change. Additionally, the longer cardboard stays in a landfill, the more space it occupies, contributing to the need for more landfill sites.

Why Recycling Cardboard is the Better Option

Recycling cardboard offers a much more sustainable solution compared to simply discarding it. Here’s why:

1. Reduces Waste in Landfills: Recycling keeps cardboard out of landfills, reducing the strain on these already overwhelmed spaces. By recycling, your business can help prevent the need for new landfills, which are often located near communities and natural habitats.

2. Conserves Natural Resources: Producing new cardboard requires cutting down trees, using water, and consuming energy. Recycling cardboard reduces the demand for these resources. In fact, recycling one ton of cardboard can save up to 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water. For small businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint, recycling is a straightforward and impactful way to conserve resources.

3. Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The process of recycling cardboard emits far fewer greenhouse gases compared to producing new cardboard. By recycling, your business can contribute to lowering overall carbon emissions, playing a part in the fight against climate change.

4. Cost Savings: Many recycling programs are free or low-cost compared to waste disposal services. By recycling more, your business can reduce waste disposal costs, saving money in the long run.

5. Improves Brand Image: Consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and prefer to support businesses that prioritize sustainability. By recycling cardboard, you can enhance your brand’s reputation and attract eco-conscious customers.

How to Implement Cardboard Recycling in Your Small Business

Implementing a cardboard recycling program in your small business is easier than you might think. Here are some steps to get started:

1. Set Up Recycling Bins: Place clearly labeled recycling bins in areas where cardboard waste is generated, such as near packaging and shipping stations.

2. Train Employees: Educate your employees on the importance of recycling cardboard and how to properly sort and dispose of it.

3. Partner with a Recycling Service: Find a local recycling service that accepts cardboard. Many waste management companies offer recycling pickup for businesses.

4. Reuse When Possible: Before recycling, consider reusing cardboard boxes and materials for storage or shipping.

5. Monitor Your Progress: Track how much cardboard your business recycles each month. This can help you measure your impact and set goals for reducing waste further.

Conclusion

For small businesses, recycling cardboard is more than just a responsible choice—it’s a crucial step toward sustainability. By keeping cardboard out of landfills, conserving natural resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, your business can make a positive impact on the environment. Plus, recycling can lead to cost savings and improve your brand’s image in the eyes of eco-conscious consumers.

So, the next time you’re about to toss a cardboard box, remember: recycling is the better option, both for your business and for the planet so start your cardboard bale pickup route today!