By Tom Chu / December 28, 2011 / 4 minutes of reading
There are some materials that we have a habit of taking for granted. They are everywhere, but no one wants them until they have a very specific need. Cardboard is a perfect example of this. It is versatile, and we need it for boxes when we move and sometimes to line a floor in a garage. But what other reason do we have for using it?
You might not have too many ideas, but I bet you have a whole lot of cardboard shoved into the shed or storage and you are at a loss as to how to recycle it in a useful way.
Here are eight ideas on how to turn that stack of cardboard into items you can actually use.
1. Cardboard Tube Lamp
Lamps are easy to make and even easier to decorate. This one takes a standard glass hurricane and uses cardboard to make an interesting design around the base. They chose to use the natural beige, which works really well with the color of the light. But if you wanted to get creative, you could easily change the color by painting each circle of cardboard. You could also choose another shape for the pattern.
2. Egg Carton Footstools
These are really cool. The creator got together a huge number of egg cartons and pressed them together, then bent and shaped them into a wheel. They are secure and painted with some very pretty designs and colors. The press of the cardboard makes them nice and sturdy to be used as footstools, and the makers point out that they would also work as the base to a coffee table. I kind of like them as a coffee mug holder for a desk, to protect it from getting tipped over onto electronics.
3. Egg Carton Bulletin Board
This is super easy. All you do is connect a couple of egg cartons and hang them up on the wall. The cups make great holders for pins, so you can tack things up. I don’t much like the color, though. It would look a lot better if it were painted or even decorated with paper.
4. Cardboard Tube Napkin Rings
The holidays are here, which is a great opportunity for you to get together upcycled items to show off during family dinners. These ones are great. They are little napkin holders made of cut paper towel tubes. Each one has been covered in recycled fabric, which gives it a lovely touch, while using yet another material you might have abundantly on hand.
5. Cardboard iPhone Dock
Have an iPhone? Docks are ridiculously expensive for what is, ultimately, nothing but a holder. This site has an interesting tutorial on the process of making one out of cardboard. It is supereasy to do, though it isn’t that sturdy, so you will want to be careful about how rough you are when using it.
6. Cardboard Fabric Storage
If you are into sewing or other fabric crafts, you might have a lot of material in your closets stuffed into any nook where it will fit. You can cut up some uniformly sized pieces of cardboard and use them to wrap each fabric piece into. Then, put them on a shelf. I like the idea of doing this but then also putting them into a crate or storage container. If you line them up, you can see each fabric when you open the lid and remove the one you want without a mess. Just be sure to cut a slit into the cardboard and slide the end of the fabric in before wrapping, so it stays put. Here are some examples: fabric storage boxes, cardboard box storage system and cardboard storage boxes, as well as some detailed instructions.
7. Amazing Cardboard Sculptures
Chris Gilmour is an amazing artist who takes recycled cardboard of all types and makes stunning sculptures with it. The amount of detail, such as the spokes on the bike or the full-size car complete with engine, is really something to see.
8. Cardboard Drawer Dividers
Everyone seems to have that one drawer where everything is just shoved in without any organization. It can become a real mess. These nifty dividers will break the drawer up for easy storage. In this case, the creative thinker made a bunch of little compartments. But you could easily make them bigger, so you can organize everything from silverware to craft beads to bolts, screws, and nails.
Image Credit: 1.
FAQs
Not only is cardboard recyclable, but it's also the most recycled paper product. About 70% of all corrugated cardboard in the United States is recovered for recycling and used to make products like printing and writing paper, paper towels, and tissues.
What products can be made from recycled cardboard? ›
When recycled, cardboard can be used to make products like cereal boxes, paperboard, paper towels, tissues and printing or writing paper. It is also used to make more corrugated cardboard.
How to make recycle cardboard? ›
- The cardboard is sorted and shredded.
- It is mixed with water and pulped.
- The pulp is filtered.
- More water is added.
- The mixture is rolled and dried.
- Sheets are converted to new cardboard.
A guide to the cardboard recycling process
Cardboard recycling involves a 6-step process. These steps are collection, sorting, shredding and pulping, filtering, finishing, and converting back into corrugated board. It is possible to recycle cardboard more than 20 times before the fibres become too weak.
How can a box be recycled? ›
Recycle Cardboard Boxes Right
Here's how to do it right: First, empty your box to remove packing materials, such as Styrofoam or packing peanuts. Flatten your cardboard box to save space. Put it in the recycling bin.
What can you do on cardboard? ›
50 Ways to Use Cardboard
- Step 1: 1 - Use As Door Mats. ...
- Step 2: 2 - Put on Slippery Surface. ...
- Step 3: 3 - Put in Toilet Floor. ...
- Step 4: 4 - Sun Protection. ...
- Step 5: 5 - Use As Storage. ...
- Step 6: 6 - Use for Groceries. ...
- Step 7: 7 - Use in Concrete. ...
- Step 8: 8 - Protect Freshly Poured Water Drain / Holes.
16 Creative Ways To Repurpose Cardboard Boxes
- Sequin Letter Garland.
- Desktop Catchall Organizer.
- Floating Tube Shelf.
- Cardboard Roll Sunburst Mirror.
- Geometric Cardboard Lamp.
- Colorful Cardboard Lanterns.
- New Boxes Out Of Old Boxes.
- Belted Storage Totes.
Cut long strips from cardboard boxes and curl them into a circle, using glue to hold it all together. You can paint the outer edge or cover it with fabric. For extra cat love, sprinkle some catnip into the cardboard as you work! This is a great, inexpensive DIY cat toy.
What things are made of cardboard? ›
When we think of cardboard, we often think of corrugated cardboard boxes that are used to package or ship goods. However, cardboard in the form of boxboard is also used to make cereal boxes, paper towels and toilet paper rolls, tissue boxes, and milk or juice cartons.
How do you reuse cardboard waste? ›
Here are 10 inventive ways to reuse cardboard boxes and save money on your move.
- Store extra clothes and toys. ...
- Create a makeshift desk or table. ...
- Make organizers for various supplies. ...
- Store holiday decorations. ...
- Make a recycling bin. ...
- Cat tower or dog bed. ...
- Toys or fort for children. ...
- Cut them up for packing materials.
Soak the cardboard pieces in a large container filled with water for several hours or overnight. After the cardboard has soaked, use a blender or food processor to turn the cardboard into a pulp. Pour the pulp into the container and fill it with water until the pulp is completely submerged.
What to do with cardboard waste? ›
Most local authorities and councils accept cardboard in their domestic recycling collections, just check the right bin depending on where you live. For higher volumes, you can always take cardboard to your local household waste recycling centre (HWRC) for responsible disposal.
How can we recycle paper and cardboard? ›
Dry and clean cardboard and paper discards can be recycled into new materials. Improve diversion by placing clean and dry cardboard into a dedicated bin.
Why do we recycle cardboard? ›
In today's economy, businesses and institutions recycle items like cardboard because it often saves them money on waste disposal costs. Recycling is also good for the planet and local communities because it helps conserve valuable resources, reduces pollution from production of new materials, and creates jobs.
Is cardboard infinitely recyclable? ›
Copy paper, notebook paper and cardboard boxes can be recycled 5-7 times before being made into toilet paper, tissue or paper towels.
Is cardboard 100% recyclable? ›
Fortunately, the vast majority of the paper and cardboard that we use on a daily basis can be recycled. Generally, as long as it's not lined with a plastic film, coated with wax, or covered in embellishments like glitter, velvet or foil, it's accepted.
What happens to cardboard when it is not recycled? ›
From an environmental standpoint, cardboard needs to be recycled. Why? Because if it is put in landfills, as it deteriorates and chemically breaks down, cardboard contributes to global warming leading to climate change. This occurs as decomposing cardboard releases methane.
Can cardboard be composted? ›
Yes, you can compost cardboard. In fact, cardboard waste makes up over 31 percent of landfills, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Composting cardboard is a practice that is becoming more popular now that people are beginning to realize the benefits of composting.
