Want To Earn Some Money Recycling? Look Into OCC Recycling

Posted on: 19 October 2022

When people think of earning money from recycling, they may be drawn toward collecting aluminum cans or electronic waste. However, you can make money by recycling certain paper products, such as old-corrugated containers (OCCs). Read on to learn about the benefits of recycling OCCs and how to collect this recyclable.

Are OCCs The Same as Cardboard?

OCCs are made of two layers of un-waxed, unbleached paper with a ruffled liner in between. They are often seen in products like shipping boxes or pizza boxes. These containers are similar to cardboard, but they are much sturdier. Cardboard is typically used for thinner products, like cereal boxes. Both OCC and cardboard can be recycled for money, but they will have different price values depending on the market.  

What are the Benefits of OCC Recycling?

Not only can you make money by taking OCC products to a recycling center, but you can save money as well. For example, since you won't be filling a business's dumpster with containers, you'll save container space and reduce the frequency of trash pickups. Some communities offer rebates for OCC and other types of recycling waste, so you can save money that way as well.

Recycling is a good way to protect the environment. Instead of going to a landfill, the containers can be reused to make new products. Recycling reduces the demand for new timber and cuts down on volatile organic chemicals and other hazardous air pollutants in the manufacturing process.  

How Clean Do OCCs Have to Be for Recycling?

Every municipality is different, but in general, your OCC waste shouldn't have dirt, grease, wax, or other debris on it. Staples may be okay, but excessive amounts of metal, packing tape, and/or plastic may not be acceptable. Be sure to dry out any wet or damp items since wet fibers diminish the strength of the material and reduce the overall value.

How Do You Pack and Transport OCCs for Recycling?

Boxes should be emptied and flattened before transporting. Keep in mind that the value of OCCs may increase if they are "mill ready" or in bundles. Businesses with large amounts of OCCs may benefit from using a shredder or a baler to compact waste into bundles to make them easier to transport. Some recycling centers may expect you to drop off the OCCs, but if you have a business that's producing regular, high-volume waste, it may be beneficial to hire a service to pick up the bundles and transport them to the recycling center.  

Reach out to a recycling service such as Mid America Paper Recycling Co today for more details.

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