Chloe Zhang
Putting cardboard recycling in plastic bags can cause issues during the recycling process. Plastic bags can get tangled in recycling machinery, and the recyclables inside may not get properly sorted, potentially causing damage to the machinery or ruining the value of other materials. It is recommended to keep cardboard and other recyclables loose in the bin, without any bags. However, there may be exceptions depending on your location, with some places allowing clear or transparent blue bags for cardboard recycling. It's important to check with your local recycling program to find out the specific guidelines for your area. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that cardboard is dry and free of food residue before placing it in the recycling bin.
Can I put cardboard recycling in plastic bags?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclables in plastic bags | Cause problems as they can't be properly sorted and can tangle in machinery |
| Plastic bags | Are considered non-recyclable materials |
| Clean recyclables | Are more valuable to recyclers |
| Leftover food in recyclables | Can grow mold and attract bacteria, rodents, and insects |
| Leftover liquids in recyclables | Can spill onto paper and cardboard, making them unrecyclable |
| Recycling bin | Should be kept closed to prevent rain or snow from getting everything wet |
| Plastic bags in Portland | Are not allowed for recycling |
| Clear or transparent blue bags in Hamilton | Are currently allowed but the rules may change in 2026 |
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What You'll Learn
Clear plastic bags are acceptable for cardboard recycling
It is important to understand the correct way to recycle cardboard and other materials to ensure that your recycling efforts do not go to waste. While placing recyclables in plastic bags may seem convenient, it can cause issues during the recycling process. The recyclables inside a plastic bag cannot be properly sorted, and the bags can get tangled in the machinery at recycling facilities. As a result, bagged recyclables are often pulled from the sorting lines and sent to landfills.
However, in some locations, clear plastic bags are acceptable for cardboard recycling. For instance, in Hamilton, clear or transparent blue bags are currently allowed for recycling, although this may change in 2026. Clear plastic bags are also acceptable for recycling batteries in Portland. Batteries that can fit into a 1-quart clear plastic bag can be recycled along with glass.
To recycle cardboard effectively, it is recommended to keep your recyclables loose in your bin. Make sure that any cardboard is dry, as wet cardboard can become unrecyclable. Additionally, empty out any liquids and scrape or rinse off any food residue from the cardboard before placing it in the recycling bin.
While clear plastic bags may be acceptable for cardboard recycling in certain areas, it is always a good idea to check with your local recycling program to ensure that you are following the correct guidelines. Recycling programs can vary depending on your location, so it is essential to stay informed about the specific rules and regulations in your area.
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Cardboard boxes should not be used as recycling bins
While recycling guidelines may vary depending on your location, it is generally advised that cardboard boxes should not be used as recycling bins.
In Portland, for instance, recycling guidelines specify that all items should be placed loose in the recycling bin, without any bags. This is because plastic bags and stretchy plastic of any type, including pallet wrap, bubble wrap, and stretch wrap, are not allowed in Portland's recycling. Similarly, in Hamilton, clear or transparent blue bags are permitted for recycling, but these are distinct from cardboard boxes.
It is important to check your local programs to confirm what is acceptable for recycling in your area. For instance, Portland's recycling guidelines specify that only certain types of cardboard are accepted, such as cereal boxes, cardboard egg cartons, and pizza delivery boxes, while wax-coated cardboard, frozen food boxes, and ice cream containers are not permitted.
Additionally, to ensure efficient recycling, it is recommended to keep all items empty and dry before placing them in the recycling bin. This includes rinsing containers to remove food residue and ensuring they are dry before disposal.
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Keep cardboard recycling dry and empty
Keeping cardboard dry and empty is important for effective recycling. Cardboard is built to be recycled, but it needs to be clean and dry to be processed effectively. Even if cardboard gets wet, it can still be recycled once dried. However, it is best to keep it dry to begin with, as wet cardboard can be difficult to transport and may cause issues with processing.
To keep cardboard recycling dry, it is recommended to store it in a covered area, away from moisture and rain. If cardboard does get wet, it should be separated from the dry cardboard and set aside to dry completely before being recycled. This ensures that the recycling process is not impacted by the presence of moisture.
Emptying cardboard boxes is also crucial. Packing materials, such as Styrofoam or packing peanuts, should be removed before recycling. Additionally, any food residue or grease should be avoided as it can contaminate other items in the load. Soiled cardboard, especially when greasy, should not be placed in recycling bins.
It is worth noting that some materials should be excluded from cardboard recycling. Wax-covered cardboard, for example, should be avoided. If you can scrape a box with your nail and see or feel a residue, it indicates the presence of wax, which makes recycling challenging. Refrigerator or freezer boxes, including beverage cartons, also have a plastic coating that keeps them from getting soggy but hinders their recyclability.
Regarding the use of plastic bags for cardboard recycling, clear or transparent blue bags are commonly accepted by recycling programs. However, guidelines may vary, and it is always advisable to check with your local recycling provider or refer to their guidelines to ensure proper compliance.
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Flatten cardboard before recycling
While there is no consensus on whether cardboard recycling can be put in plastic bags, some people on Reddit have mentioned that they put their cardboard recycling in clear or blue plastic bags. Clear recycling bags are allowed in Hamilton, and this may change in 2026.
Now, coming to the topic of flattening cardboard before recycling, it is always recommended to flatten cardboard boxes before sending them for recycling. Cook County, which contains the City of Chicago, instructs its residents to flatten cardboard and corrugated boxes but not to crush other containers. Flattening cardboard boxes helps increase efficiency while recycling and saves room in your recycling bin. Some local recycling companies require all cardboard boxes to be flattened and broken down for pickup.
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No wax-coated cardboard or food-soiled cardboard
It is important to distinguish between wax-coated cardboard and food-soiled cardboard before recycling. Wax-coated cardboard, often used for takeout boxes or produce boxes, has a layer of wax that prevents leaks, mould, and insect infestations. This type of cardboard is not commonly accepted by recycling centres. To identify if cardboard is wax-coated, scratch the surface with your fingernail; if the wax peels off, it belongs in the trash, not the recycling bin.
Food-soiled cardboard, on the other hand, is accepted by some municipal composting programs. Food scraps, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, and baked goods, can be composted along with soiled cardboard. However, some programs specify that only yard and garden waste are acceptable, so it is important to check the rules in your area.
If your cardboard is only partially soiled, you can tear off the clean sections and recycle them, provided they are not wax-coated. This helps prevent food contamination in the recycling process.
It is worth noting that glossy cardboard, often confused with wax-coated cardboard, can be recycled and should be placed with your regular cardboard and paper recycling.
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Frequently asked questions
No, plastic bags are not allowed in Portland's recycling. Plastic bags can get tangled in recycling machinery and cause issues with sorting. It is better to keep your recyclables loose in your bin.
Paper or reusable bags are better for the environment as they do not cause the same issues as plastic bags. Clear or transparent blue bags are currently allowed in some areas but check with your local recycling program to be sure.
Cardboard should be clean and dry before being placed in the recycling bin. Leftover food or liquids can cause bacteria, rodents, and insects to be attracted to the material, making it unacceptable for recycling.
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