Cardboard recycling near me: where to take it and who collects it
For cardboard recycling near me, a household can use the council collection or the local recycling centre. A business needs a licensed waste carrier, or a buyer if the cardboard is baled. Enter your postcode below to find waste and recycling companies in your area.
Cardboard recycling near me: households
Almost every council in the UK collects cardboard from the kerbside. Flatten the boxes, keep them dry and take out any polystyrene or plastic wrap. If you have more than the bin will hold, for example after moving house, take it to your household waste recycling centre. It is free, although some centres ask you to book or to show proof of address.
Cardboard recycling near me: businesses
Business waste is not accepted at most household recycling centres, so a business has three options.
| Option | Best for | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Collection in bins or cages by a waste carrier | Shops, offices and restaurants with a few bins a week | You pay for each collection |
| Collection of baled cardboard | Warehouses, retailers and manufacturers with regular volume | Often free, and larger volumes earn a rebate |
| Deliver it to a recycler yourself | Small loads with a recycler close by | Your time and fuel. You must register as a waste carrier |
In England, workplaces have had to keep paper and cardboard apart from general waste since 31 March 2025 under the Simpler Recycling rules. Workplaces with fewer than 10 full time staff have until 31 March 2027. Whichever option you choose, keep a waste transfer note for each load for two years.
What is cardboard worth?
In July 2026 the average UK export value of waste cardboard was £119 a tonne. A buyer will offer less than this, because the figure includes baling and shipping.
Loose cardboard has little value once the cost of collecting it is counted. Baled cardboard is worth more, because a lorry can carry far more of it. See the current cardboard prices, or read our guide on how to sell cardboard waste.
How to prepare cardboard for collection
- Flatten every box so that it takes up less room.
- Keep it dry. Wet cardboard weighs more and is often rejected.
- Remove plastic wrap, polystyrene and strapping.
- Keep food waste out. Greasy or food stained cardboard cannot be recycled.
- If you fill several large bins a week, ask about a baler. It cuts the number of collections and turns the cardboard into something buyers pay for.
For how the material is processed after collection, read our guide to cardboard recycling.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I recycle cardboard near me for free?
Households can recycle cardboard free through the council collection or at a household waste recycling centre. Businesses can often get baled cardboard collected free if they produce it regularly.
Can a business take cardboard to the council tip?
Usually not. Most household waste recycling centres do not accept business waste, and those that do make a charge. A business should use a licensed waste carrier or a cardboard recycler.
Will anyone collect cardboard for free?
Yes, if there is enough of it. Recyclers often collect baled cardboard free of charge, and pay a rebate for larger regular volumes. Small amounts of loose cardboard normally have a collection charge.
Can wet or greasy cardboard be recycled?
No. Water weakens the fibres and grease cannot be removed in the recycling process. Keep cardboard under cover, and put food stained boxes in general or food waste.
Does a business need a licence to move its own cardboard?
A business that regularly carries its own waste must register as a waste carrier. In England this registration is free for businesses that only carry waste they produce themselves.
Where can I find cardboard recycling near me?
Households can use the council collection or the nearest household recycling centre. Businesses can search this page by postcode for a waste and recycling company.