One of the most common questions that we get as a cardboard recycler in Melbourne is, “Can waxed cardboard be recycled?” The reason why many people ask that is because a lot of products that we consume these days come in waxed cardboard materials. We’re talking about everything from wine, juice, milk, and even some takeaway coffee and other food products.
Waxed cardboard is popular in the packaging industry, especially if your products are in liquid form and have a higher chance of breaking down a normal cardboard box. However, the problem is that waxed cardboard is not often accepted in most Melbourne-based cardboard recycling facilities. That is because the wax coating on the cardboard could contaminate the recycling process. Since wax is water-resistant, it could interfere with the normal process of breaking down the paper.
Now, if you have a restaurant or you are a normal household with kids who love boxed juices or milk or anything of that sort, how can you recycle waxed cardboard?
How to Recycle Waxed Cardboard
1. Check with the Local Council
The first thing you need to do is to contact your local council, which usually collects your garbage every week. Given that they require you to separate your biodegradable from non-biodegradable to recyclables, they would likely have some knowledge of where you could bring your waxed materials. Depending on where you live in Australia, they may even collect it directly from you and bring it to the proper facilities.
2. Some Waxed Cardboard Can Be Used For Composting
In case your local council cannot help you with the disposal of your waxed material, you could try composting in your backyard. You may have to do a little research on what kind of wax was used for this cardboard, but once you’re sure that it’s soy wax or beeswax, you could start shredding it to speed up the composting process.
3. Consider Reusing Waxed Cardboard
If you have wax-coated cardboard that could be reused, you’re free to do so. For example, you could use it in your garden to cover the damp areas in your storage since it’s water-resistant. There have also been some DIY tutorials online that make use of milk cartons as a mould for non-baked desserts.
4. Look for Specialised Recycling Programs
If neither suggestion works for you, the next best thing to do is to contact a specialised recycling facility. Search for establishments that offer specialised programs and can recycle various types of cardboard materials. The more waxed cardboard you need to dispose of, the lower your pricing on collections could be. More importantly, you can be assured that the recycling process will be handled properly.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with the disposal of special cardboard material after finishing its content is the last thing that comes to people’s minds. After all, liquids that come in waxed packaging are always handy, especially when you’re travelling or just want something always on the go. Still, you need to think of how to recycle waxed cardboard and keep it from causing harm to the environment.
If you are still looking for a recycling company in Melbourne, feel free to give us a call so we can give you a quote.
