What is OCC? Understanding Old Corrugated Containers and Why They Matter

What is OCC?

OCC stands for Old Corrugated Containers. It’s a term for old cardboard boxes. You have likely seen them before. They are often found behind businesses. Restaurants, grocery stores, and other retail partners. These businesses receive many deliveries. The deliveries come in cardboard boxes. Instead of throwing them away, they are placed in a special dumpster. This dumpster is solely for cardboard.

Why is OCC Recycling Important?

Cardboard is a highly recyclable material. When it’s recycled, it saves trees, energy, and water. It reduces the amount of cardboard waste in commercial dumpsters. This provides a cost savings to a business by not filling their dumpster with recyclable materials.

The Recycling Process

The process of recycling OCC is simple. First, businesses collect their old cardboard. Boxes are flattened to save space. Then, the flattened boxes are placed in the OCC dumpster. A recycling truck picks up the cardboard. The truck takes the cardboard to a recycling facility. At the facility, the cardboard is sorted and baled into large, compact blocks. These blocks are easy to transport. The blocks are shipped to paper mills. The mills turn the old cardboard into new products. This is how the circular economy works.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

Recycling OCC saves money for businesses. Many waste companies charge based on volume. A full dumpster costs more to empty. Cardboard boxes are bulky. They quickly fill a regular trash dumpster. By using a separate OCC dumpster, businesses can reduce their regular trash volume. This can lower their waste disposal fees. It also helps them meet sustainability goals. Many companies strive to be more eco-friendly. Recycling is a great way to show your commitment to the environment.

How You Can Help

The use of OCC dumpsters has a big impact. It helps the local community. It supports local recycling jobs. It also provides a valuable resource for industries. The new cardboard products are used again. They might be

come new boxes to transport materials. They could also become paperboard. Today’s old cardboard could be tomorrow’s cereal box sitting on your breakfast table. This is far better than making new cardboard from new trees.

We can all help with this effort. Support businesses that recycle. Recycle your own cardboard at home. Ensure your cardboard is ready to be recycled by ensuring it is clean and dry. Remove any plastic or tape. Flatten your boxes to save space. Every piece of cardboard counts. 

Together, we can build a better future. A future with less waste. A future where resources are used wisely. The humble cardboard box has a big role to play. It’s more than just a box. It’s a resource waiting to be reused. It is a key part of our recycling system. Contact us today to learn more about our solutions for segregated dumpster or enclosed compactor rentals.