What is OCC, and how is it different from cardboard?
Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) consists of used boxes, containers or other packaging made from unbleached, un-waxed paper with a ruffled, or corrugated, inner liner.
Should my business recycle OCC, and why?
Convenience stores, grocery stores, retailers, manufacturers and so many other industries rely heavily on OCC and cardboard packaging, which results in tons of waste.
If I stop putting OCC in my dumpster, how and where do I store it?
Storing OCC paper and recycling all depends on the volume your business produces and the space available at your location. Some businesses require large baling equipment, while others may just use a compactor.
LET'S ANSWER THESE 3 QUESTIONS FURTHER
LET'S ANSWER THESE 3 QUESTIONS FURTHER
Questions
& Answers
The answers to the questions above are no secret. Working in waste reduction and recycling, we receive many questions about waste stream management, from business and municipalities of all sizes.
What is OCC?
Old Corrugated Containers, commonly referred to in the industry as OCC, consists of used boxes, containers or other packaging made from unbleached, un-waxed paper with a ruffled, or corrugated, inner liner. These corrugated materials, also called containerboard, are used for things like pizza or shipping boxes. If you tear a corrugated box, you’ll see there are really three layers to the material, with one layer that is rigid.
While OCC may sound and seem a lot like boxboard, there is, in fact, a difference between the two. Cardboard is a heavy-duty paper stock used for things like cereal boxes or smaller packages. Both are recyclable, but they may garner different recycling values on the commodities market.
Convenience stores, grocery stores, retailers, manufacturers and so many other industries rely heavily on OCC, which results in tons of waste. Removing that bulky OCC from your trash or dumpster increases container space and reduces the cost and frequency of trash pickups – saving your business money. That’s why the majority of commercial recycling is made up of discarded OCC and cardboard – because all that material is recyclable, and valuable if you have the right volume.
In fact, OCC and cardboard is the easiest material to recycle for rebates. If your business is collecting volumes of 5 tons/month or more, rebates may be available to you. Waste and recycling consultants, like Madison Fibers, can help your business navigate the fluctuating commodity market prices and regulatory policies to make sure your business gets the maximum value for its discarded OCC materials. Not only will you be keeping waste out of landfills, but also, you’ll be generating a new revenue stream out of your waste stream.
How and where do I store it?
Storing OCC paper and recycling all depends on the volume your business produces and the space available at your location. Some businesses require large baling equipment, while others may just use a compactor. Each comes with its own set of benefits, and Madison Fibers can work with you to identify the right equipment to implement your recycling program with ease.
Balers may seem expensive, but they also maximize trailer weight for the highest potential rebates and help you save on transportation costs.
We thrive on long-term relationships by being flexible partners open to new opportunities, always finding the best value and guaranteeing transparent service. Contact Madison Fibers today to discuss how you can get the most out of your waste stream.
We offer a full range of recycling services and products, from recycling consulting, recycling equipment and supplies, to recycling pickup and transport services.
Go ahead & dump it on us
We offer a full range of recycling services and products, from recycling consulting, recycling equipment and supplies, to recycling pickup and transport services.
Contact
Madison Fibers LLC
Madison, Wisconsin
847-778-8649
kim@madisonfibers.com
