Cardboard Packaging Return Scheme

In the age of e-commerce, corrugated cardboard is the most common form of packaging waste. Yes, all those delivery boxes soon stack up! At present, customers take on the lion’s share of responsibility for recycling cardboard packaging.

As people are largely aware that cardboard is widely recycled 70% of boxes are disposed of in recycling bins. However, this means that 30% is still being sent to landfill or incinerators. This ratio has remained at similar levels for years, so fresh approaches are being sought to increase recycling rates.

Online Retailers to Collect Delivery Boxes

One suggestion presented by the recycling company, Business Waste, is a scheme for online retailers to collect delivery boxes from customers. It could be that boxes are emptied and returned at the point of delivery. Alternatively, larger online retailers could arrange regular collection services. This could be introduced as an Environmental & Social Governance (ESG) initiative.

Reuse & Recycle Cardboard Packaging

This approach offers the opportunity for cardboard boxes in good condition to be reused and others to be recycled. It also means that the responsibility for waste management is better shared by online retailers and customers. As such, it has the potential to increase recycling rates. What’s more, some companies may qualify for cardboard recycling rebates to help offset some of the associated costs.

Do you think this scheme could work or have you got a better idea for increasing recycling rates?