Understanding Cardboard Biodegradation

In the realm of sustainability, small changes can make a big impact. As a small business owner, you may be considering the environmental footprint of your operations, and one often-overlooked aspect is the disposal of cardboard packaging. While it’s easy to toss cardboard into the trash without a second thought, understanding how long it takes cardboard to biodegrade in a dump can encourage more eco-friendly practices within your business.

The Journey of Cardboard in a Dump

When cardboard ends up in a landfill, its journey towards biodegradation begins. However, the process is not as straightforward as one might think. Landfills are designed to be anaerobic environments, meaning they lack oxygen. In this oxygen-deprived setting, organic materials like cardboard break down much slower compared to aerobic environments, where oxygen is present.

The timeframe for cardboard biodegradation in a landfill can vary significantly. On average, it takes roughly two months for cardboard to decompose in ideal conditions. However, the lack of oxygen and other environmental factors in landfills can prolong this process to anywhere from two to six months or even YEARS.

The slow degradation of cardboard in landfills also has significant environmental implications. As cardboard breaks down, it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Additionally, the space occupied by cardboard in landfills contributes to the overall waste management problem, prompting the need for more landfill space and potentially harmful landfill expansions.

As a small business owner, there are steps you can take to mitigate the environmental impact of cardboard waste such as using a cardboard bale pickup service which takes your cardboard to recycling mills. 

Understanding the biodegradation process of cardboard in landfills sheds light on the importance of responsible waste management practices for small businesses. By reducing, reusing, recycling, you can minimize your environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. As stewards of the planet, let’s strive to make mindful choices that benefit both our businesses and the environment.