Q: What is the difference between corrugated cardboard and paperboard?

It is important to understand the difference between paperboard and cardboard since they are collected differently. This is because they are 2 different end market streams.

Corrugated cardboard is made up of several layers with a ribbed center and paper on both sides. It is used for packaging items like furniture and appliances due to its heavy duty design.

Corrugated cardboard should be flattened and placed next to or under curbside recycling bins or recycled at designated containers labeled for corrugated cardboard.

Alternatively, paperboard is a single layer pressed boxboard. Examples of paperboard include cereal boxes, tissue boxes, cake mix boxes, and toilet and paper towel rolls.

Paperboard should be bagged or bundled with all other mixed paper and placed inside your curbside bin. Paperboard can also be placed in a blue cart labeled for mixed paper or brought to a local recycling drop off container labeled for mixed paper.