Feb 20, 2026
Cardboard Recycling in Chicago: Where to Drop Off, What's Accepted & How to Prepare
If you're searching for cardboard recycling in Chicago, you're not alone. With online shopping at an all-time high and moving season approaching, Chicago residents and businesses are generating more cardboard waste than ever. The good news? Cardboard is one of the most recyclable materials available, when handled correctly.
Whether you're a homeowner breaking down Amazon boxes or a business managing shipping materials, this guide covers everything you need to know about cardboard recycling in Chicago, including where to drop off materials, what's accepted, and how to prepare your cardboard for proper recycling.
Why Cardboard Recycling Matters in Chicago
Cardboard makes up approximately 30% of Chicago's recycling stream, making it one of the city's most valuable recyclable materials. When recycled properly, cardboard:
Reduces landfill waste: A single ton of recycled cardboard saves 9 cubic yards of landfill space
Conserves resources: Recycling cardboard uses 75% less energy than producing new cardboard from raw materials
Supports local infrastructure: Chicago's recycling programs create jobs and reduce waste management costs
Cuts carbon emissions: Recycled cardboard production generates 50% fewer greenhouse gases than virgin production
At GreenWay, we've seen firsthand how proper cardboard recycling transforms Chicago's waste stream. The challenge isn't whether cardboard can be recycled, it's ensuring residents know how to do it correctly.
What Types of Cardboard Can Be Recycled in Chicago?
Accepted Cardboard Materials
Most recycling centers in Chicago accept these cardboard types:
Corrugated cardboard boxes: Shipping boxes, moving boxes, appliance packaging
Paperboard: Cereal boxes, shoe boxes, tissue boxes, paper towel rolls
Kraft paper: Brown paper bags, wrapping paper (non-glossy)
Cardboard tubes: Paper towel and toilet paper cores, poster tubes
Pizza boxes: Only if free from excessive grease (more on this below)
What's NOT Accepted
These items should NOT go in your cardboard recycling:
Wax-coated cardboard: Produce boxes with waxy coating
Heavily soiled boxes: Pizza boxes with significant grease stains
Cardboard with plastic lining: Some juice or milk cartons
Padded mailers: Bubble-wrap lined envelopes
Cardboard mixed with other materials: Boxes with foam inserts still attached
When in doubt, check with your local recycling center or contact us at GreenWay Recycles for guidance on specific materials.
How to Prepare Cardboard for Recycling
Proper preparation ensures your cardboard actually gets recycled rather than contaminating the recycling stream. Follow these steps:
1. Break Down All Boxes
Flatten boxes completely to save space in recycling bins and collection trucks. This simple step allows recycling facilities to process 3-4 times more material per load.
2. Remove All Non-Cardboard Materials
Take out:
Plastic tape (small amounts are okay, but remove excessive tape)
Styrofoam inserts
Plastic bags or bubble wrap
Metal staples (small staples can stay, but remove large ones)
3. Keep It Clean and Dry
Wet or contaminated cardboard can ruin entire bales of recyclable material. Store cardboard in a dry location until pickup or drop-off.
4. Don't Bundle or Tie
Chicago's recycling program prefers loose, flattened cardboard. String or wire can jam sorting equipment at recycling facilities.
Where to Recycle Cardboard in Chicago
Curbside Blue Cart Recycling
Most Chicago residents can place flattened cardboard in their blue recycling cart. The city's recycling program accepts cardboard at no additional cost through regular curbside pickup.
Important curbside tips:
Break down boxes to fit inside your blue cart with the lid closed
For extra cardboard, place flattened boxes next to (not on top of) your cart
Avoid setting out cardboard on rainy days when possible
GreenWay Drop-Off and Pickup Services
For larger volumes of cardboard, common for businesses, apartment buildings, or after a move, GreenWay offers convenient solutions:
Commercial Cardboard Recycling: We provide dedicated cardboard collection for Chicago businesses, including:
Scheduled pickup services
On-site cardboard balers for high-volume generators
Flexible service schedules
Competitive pricing with potential rebates for clean, baled cardboard
Residential Bulk Pickup: Moving or renovating? We offer special pickup services for large quantities of cardboard that exceed your blue cart capacity.
Chicago Recycling Drop-Off Centers
If you prefer to drop off cardboard yourself, Chicago offers several options:
City of Chicago Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility
Address: 1150 N. North Branch St.
Accepts: Cardboard along with electronics and household chemicals
Hours: Check current schedule at chicago.gov/recycling
Community Recycling Events
Chicago hosts periodic recycling events throughout the year. Organizations like SCARCE and Reduce Waste Chicago organize collection drives that accept cardboard and other recyclables. Check their event calendars for upcoming opportunities.
Cardboard Recycling for Chicago Businesses
Chicago businesses generate significant cardboard waste, especially in retail, food service, and distribution sectors. Here's how to optimize your commercial cardboard recycling:
Assess Your Volume
Track how much cardboard your business generates weekly. This helps determine whether you need:
Regular curbside pickup (small volumes)
Dedicated commercial recycling service (medium volumes)
On-site baling equipment (high volumes)
Consider a Cardboard Baler
Businesses producing more than 10 boxes daily should consider a cardboard baler. Benefits include:
Reduced pickup frequency and costs
Potential revenue from selling baled cardboard
Improved workplace safety and organization
Smaller environmental footprint
GreenWay can help assess whether a baler makes sense for your operation and provide equipment recommendations.
Train Your Team
Employee participation is crucial. Ensure your team knows:
Where cardboard collection is located
How to properly break down boxes
What materials should be removed before recycling
Why cardboard recycling matters for your business goals
Common Cardboard Recycling Questions
Can I Recycle Pizza Boxes?
Yes, with conditions. Chicago accepts pizza boxes in recycling if:
Grease stains are minimal (small spots are okay)
All food residue is removed
The box isn't heavily soiled
If the bottom is greasy but the top is clean, tear off the clean portion for recycling and compost or trash the soiled section.
What About Cardboard with Tape?
Small amounts of packing tape are acceptable and will be filtered out during the recycling process. However, removing excessive tape helps improve recycling efficiency.
Is There a Size Limit for Cardboard?
For curbside recycling, cardboard should be broken down to fit in or next to your blue cart. For larger items like appliance boxes, consider:
Cutting them into smaller pieces
Scheduling a bulk pickup with your waste hauler
Using GreenWay Recycles' commercial services
Can I Mix Cardboard with Paper Recycling?
Yes! Cardboard and paper are processed together in Chicago's recycling stream. Both can go in your blue cart.
Why Choose GreenWay Recycles for Cardboard Recycling
As a Chicago-area recycling and waste management company, we understand the unique challenges our community faces. Here's what sets GreenWay Recycles apart:
Local Expertise
We know Chicago's recycling infrastructure, regulations, and seasonal patterns. Our team provides guidance specific to your neighborhood or business district.
Flexible Solutions
From one-time bulk pickups to ongoing commercial services, we tailor our cardboard recycling programs to your needs, not the other way around.
Transparent Processing
We work with certified recycling facilities that meet strict environmental standards. Your cardboard is actually recycled, not shipped overseas or landfilled.
Competitive Pricing
For qualifying commercial accounts, we offer rebates on clean, baled cardboard. Your waste stream can become a revenue stream.
Take Action: Start Recycling Cardboard the Right Way
Ready to improve your cardboard recycling in Chicago? Here's what to do next:
Audit your current practices: How much cardboard are you generating? Is it being recycled properly?
Set up a system: Designate a clean, dry area for cardboard collection
Educate household or team members: Share this guide with everyone involved
Contact GreenWay: For volumes beyond curbside capacity or commercial needs, we're here to help
Whether you're a homeowner looking for places to recycle cardboard near me or a business seeking comprehensive recycling services, proper cardboard recycling starts with knowledge and commitment.
GreenWay Recycles serves the greater Chicago area with customized recycling solutions for residents and businesses. Contact us today to discuss your cardboard recycling needs and discover how we can help reduce your environmental impact while potentially lowering your waste management costs.
Let's work together to keep Chicago clean, green, and sustainable, one cardboard box at a time.