Cardboard Collection for Shops, Warehouses and Offices

A skip can take cardboard, but loose boxes are bulky and fill a container quickly, often with a lot of empty space inside them. A dedicated collection keeps cardboard clean and separate, takes up less room and does not need a permit. For a one-off clear-out – such as after a shop fit or stock delivery – an enclosed skip keeps cardboard dry and secure, but for ongoing packaging, scheduled collections are more practical.

• Bins: 660 or 1,100 litre wheelie bins suit most shops, offices and restaurants.
• Cages: some suppliers offer cardboard cages for higher volumes.
• Bales: businesses with a baler can have baled cardboard collected, which is efficient for warehouses and large retail.

Options vary by supplier and area, so we confirm what is available for your postcode.

Cardboard is most useful for recycling when it is clean and dry. Flatten boxes, remove polystyrene and plastic wrap where practical, and keep the bin lid closed so rain does not soak the contents. Greasy food packaging, such as used pizza boxes, should go in general or food waste. Our cardboard and packaging pages explain more.

Paper and card is one of the core materials that businesses are expected to separate under the workplace recycling rules in England, Wales and Scotland. A dedicated cardboard stream, alongside your commercial waste collection, is a straightforward way to show you are separating it.

Store openings, refits, office moves and seasonal delivery peaks can leave large amounts of cardboard that regular bins cannot absorb. A one-off collection clears the backlog without upsizing your contract. If the cardboard is part of a wider clear-out with furniture and IT equipment, an office clearance may handle everything in one visit. Retailers with many branches can coordinate cardboard streams across stores – see retail chains.