Paper, Cardboard, and the Circular Economy

Paper and cardboard derive from dried and compressed plant fibres, typically wood pulp. Corrugated cardboard's layered structure provides structural integrity.

Production and transport contribute to carbon footprint; recycling reduces environmental impact from material extraction and manufacturing.

Ireland maintains high recovery rates, with focus shifting toward collection quality for successful reprocessing.

Key points:

  • National Targets: Ireland's high paper and cardboard reclamation rates (typically exceeding 79%)
  • Resource Conservation: Each ton of recycled paper conserves natural resources. Paper fibres can typically be recycled up to 7 times
  • Domestic Processing: Increased investment is being directed toward expanding domestic reprocessing facilities

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Cost Management and Environmental Compliance

Waste Cost Management

All kerb side collection packages incentivize waste minimization:

  • Pay by Lift: Charges per collection; waste reduction minimizes frequency
  • Pay by Weight: Direct link to gross weight; flattening cardboard reduces charges
  • Standard Service: Exceeding the predetermined maximum annual weight limit results in a penalty surcharge, often €0.15 per kilogram or more
  • Contamination Penalties: Incorrect segregation leads to high contamination rates, typically around €30 per incident

Environmental Impact

Proper recycling reduces virgin wood pulp consumption, decreases landfill/incineration volume, and prevents littering's negative environmental effects.

Guidelines for Paper and Cardboard Recycling

Recycling at Home (Kerb side Bin)

Three material preparation criteria:

  • Clean: Products must be entirely free from food, grease, paint, or chemical contamination
  • Dry: All items must be dry. Wet or damp materials contaminate the recycling stream
  • Loose: Items must not be placed inside plastic bags and must be flattened to maximize bin capacity

Contamination handling: If a piece of cardboard is soiled with food residue, the contaminated section must be torn off and placed in the organics bin.

Shredded paper: Small volumes accepted; large amounts should go to a Civic Amenity Centre.

Using Recycling and Amenity Centres

Recycling and Civic Amenity Centres are available for the responsible disposal of excess household waste volumes that exceed kerb side limits.

These staffed facilities are typically free of charge for reasonable quantities of household recycling.

Large volumes or business disposal may incur fees.

Material Acceptance List

Accepted (Clean, Dry, Loose)

  • Waste paper sheets and documents
  • Flattened cardboard boxes
  • Shredded paper (small quantities)
  • Paper-only wrapping paper
  • Junk mail, newspapers, magazines

Not Accepted

  • Soiled paper/cardboard
  • Disposable coffee cups
  • Metallic/glittery wrapping paper
  • Paper sachets and foil-lined packets
  • Waxed paper
  • Nappies, wipes, tissues, matches

For clarification, refer to MyWaste.ie or your local authority. Browse all of our waste guides for more tips on recycling and waste management.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Paper and Cardboard Recycling

No. If a piece of cardboard is soiled with food residue, the contaminated section must be torn off and placed in the organics bin. Only clean, dry cardboard can go in the recycling bin.
All items must be clean (free from food, grease, or chemicals), dry, and placed loose in the recycling bin without plastic bags. Flatten cardboard boxes to maximise bin capacity.
Plain paper-only wrapping paper is accepted. However, metallic or glittery wrapping paper, waxed paper, and foil-lined packets are not accepted and should go in general waste.
Contamination penalties for incorrect segregation are typically around €30 per incident. Always ensure items are clean, dry, and placed in the correct bin.
Paper fibres can typically be recycled up to 7 times before they become too short for reprocessing. Ireland maintains high paper and cardboard reclamation rates, typically exceeding 79%.