Industrial Paper & Cardboard Recycling Services

Industrial paper and cardboard recycling for manufacturers, warehouses, and distribution centers. Waste Optima designs programs for OCC, mixed paper, kraft rolls, tubes, and cores—reducing landfill costs, improving bale quality, coordinating reliable mill and broker outlets nationwide, and providing documented diversion reporting.

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Solutions for paper and cardboard

Maximize value and minimize waste with our comprehensive and carefully tailored commercial paper recycling services. From warehouse OCC to kraft roll stock, we develop customized solutions specifically designed to simplify and streamline the collection process while significantly enhancing the overall value of your recyclable materials. Whether your paper waste is baled, shredded, or mixed, if it’s paper, we are here to help you recycle it efficiently, responsibly, and in a way that fully supports and aligns with your sustainability objectives.

Industrial paper and cardboard recycling collage with kraft paper rolls, butt rolls, end discs, and cores handled by Waste Optima

Types of Paper We Work With

  • OCC (old corrugated cardboard)

  • Mixed paper from warehouses and production lines

  • Kraft paper rolls and roll stock

  • Laminated paper and paper-based packaging (case by case)

  • Cores and tubes

  • Butt rolls and end-of-rolls

Our Process

  • Site-specific collection strategies for each location

  • On-call pickups or scheduled routes, depending on volume

  • Programs for baled material or loose paper, with help moving toward baling where practical

  • Detailed recycling and diversion reports for internal and ESG reporting

  • For more insight, see our blogs on Baling, Waste Data, Minimum Volumes, and Recyclability

Benefits of Partnering with Waste Optima

  • Built on the Sustainable³ framework (economic, operational, environmental)

  • Nationwide network of mills and paper brokers

  • Reliable pickups and responsive communication for single and multi-site programs

  • Guidance on baling equipment and operator training (we don’t sell balers; we help you make the right decision)

  • Better rebates and pricing for clean, well-prepared material

  • Experience with warehouse, logistics, and DC paper waste

Industries Served

Paper & Cardboard FAQs

Do you accept wet or contaminated cardboard?

We prefer clean, dry cardboard, but can review wet or contaminated loads based on volume and available end markets. It’s always best practice to keep paper and cardboard clean and dry to protect value and avoid rejections.

Can laminated or coated paper be recycled?

Some laminated and poly-coated papers can be recycled, depending on how they’re constructed and how much volume you generate. We evaluate coated and laminated materials case by case and match them with mills or outlets that can handle them.

How do I maximize value from paper and cardboard recycling?

Keep materials clean and dry, avoid mixing grades, bale where practical, and combine into full truckload quantities when possible. Stronger volumes and better preparation typically translate into better pricing and more outlet options.

What minimum volumes do you need?

We’re most effective with full gaylords or truckload quantities. Pilots can start smaller, but the best economics and outlet options come from recurring loads in the 20,000 lb+ range, especially for warehouse OCC and production paper scrap.

Do you work with multi-site operations?

Yes. We support single plants and multi-site networks, building consistent paper programs and reporting across locations while using regional mills and brokers to manage freight and pricing.

Last updated: 2025-11-03