How to Start Your Own Cardboard Recycling Company in 2018

Cardboard production is on the rise. Back in 2008, both the worldwide paper and cardboard production was 391.2 million metric tons, which jumped to an incredible 410.9 million metric tons in 2016.

Recycling the materials is not only crucial for protecting the environment, but an increase in the production could open the door to a viable business venture. Here’s how you can start your own cardboard recycling company in 2018.

Gain an Insight into Your Competitors

It is fruitless starting a cardboard recycling company if your city or town is dominated by industry rivals. Unless you can easily fill a gap in the market, it might be an intelligent idea to choose another recycling niche to earn a greater revenue whilst meeting your community’s needs.

Learn About the Various Types of Cardboard

There is more than just one type of cardboard, and you must understand the many differences to successfully recycle the materials. For example, can recycle:

• Cardstock (the thinnest variety of cardboard)
• Chipboard (made from recycled cardboard)
• Double wall board (a resistant material used for stacking)
• Triple wall board (solid enough to substitute wooden crates)

It is important to note that not every cardboard variety is easily recycled, as they might be wax coated or treated with a wet-strength chemical.

Write a Business Plan

As soon as you have gained an insight into the market and understand the various types of cardboard, your next step should be to write a business plan. You will need to detail your start-up costs, sales and marketing tactics, investment requirements, transport fees, branding, office space, and more. Thankfully, starting a cardboard recycling company doesn’t need to cost you the earth, as you might just need to buy a reliable truck and premium baling cardboard wire from Baling Wire Direct.

Discover the Best Places to Collect Your Cardboard

Of course, you cannot run a cardboard recycling business without cardboard. Fortunately, you will not need to look far to source the materials, as more than three quarters of US products currently use cardboard in their packaging. For this reason, contact manufacturing companies, offices, stores, schools, and universities to help them dispose of their cardboard materials in an eco-friendly manner.

Get in Touch with Your Local Recycling Centers

Before you invest in a truck and start contacting potential clients, you must get in touch with local recycling centers to discover how much they are willing to pay for your materials. The price they pay will determine your profit margin, so it is essential to make an informed decision before you sink your money into your new venture. If you’re unsure who to contact, start off by telephoning local waste management companies or the Environmental Protection Agency. If you don’t like their first answer, don’t be afraid to haggle to secure a better deal for regular materials. Don’t forget to consider the travel distance to and from the center, as lengthy travel times can eat away at your bottom-line.