Educate – Sort – Recycle

Carton Box & Cardboard

Learn how Gee Hoe Seng Pte Ltd (GHS) manages carton box and cardboard recycling responsibly and efficiently in Singapore.

Carton boxes and cardboard are some of the most commonly recycled materials. They are made primarily from paper fibers, making them highly recyclable when clean and properly prepared.

Flattening your boxes before recycling helps save space, improves handling efficiency, and ensures smoother collection and processing.

Unflattened cardboard boxes collected for recycling at a warehouse in Singapore.Stack of flattened carton boxes prepared for recycling in Singapore.

Educate – Sort – Recycle

Is it Recyclable?

Yes — carton boxes and cardboard are recyclable.

However, proper preparation is key to ensure they can be processed efficiently.

Boxes should be flattened to reduce bulk and kept free of foam, plastic, or food contamination.

Educate – Sort – Recycle

Why and What Parts Can Be Recycled?

Unflattened or contaminated boxes take up excessive space and may be rejected during recycling collection. Proper preparation helps maximize recyclability and reduces operational costs.

Here’s why recycling works

  • Cardboard and paper-based packaging are made primarily from paper fibers, which can be recycled multiple times into new paper products.
  • Recycling cardboard reduces the need for virgin pulp.
Recyclable
  • Corrugated cardboard boxes
  • Carton packaging boxes
  • Flattened cartons and cardboard sheets
  • Kraft paper and uncoated paper packaging

What limits recyclability

  • Contamination from food, oil, or liquids makes cardboard unsuitable for recycling.
  • Plastic coatings or wax layers (such as those on frozen food, stickers, or waterproof boxes) prevent proper fiber recovery.
Not Recyclable
  • Greasy or food-stained boxes (e.g., pizza boxes)
  • Wax-coated or laminated cardboard
  • Cardboard mixed with foam, tape, or plastic film

Note: Always flatten boxes before recycling and remove foam or plastic packaging. Stickers and labels do not need to be removed.

Additional Information
Contaminated cardboard cannot be recycled and must be disposed of as general waste. Disposal charges applies.

How to Prepare Before Collection / Drop-Off

  • Flatten all boxes – Always flatten carton boxes before recycling to save space and make handling easier. This ensures smoother collection and transport.

  • Remove non-paper materials – Take out any foam inserts, plastic wraps, bubble wrap, or strings.

  • Do not mix with general waste – Avoid placing non-recyclables, plastic packaging, or food waste with your cardboard, as contamination reduces recycling value.