The Ottumwa / Wapello County Solid Waste Commission has approved a landfill ban on commercial source corrugated cardboard.  Beginning January 1st, 2008 the Ottumwa / Wapello County Landfill will no longer accept corrugated cardboard from commercial or business sources.   The ban on commercial source cardboard is aimed at reducing the volume of materials going into the landfill. 

Recycling Coordinator Janice Bain said, "Recycling corrugated cardboard helps decrease waste disposal at the landfill and provides recycled fiber that is easily reused.  It's a win-win situation; the reduction helps our landfill last longer and we use less raw material for making new cardboard." 

Corrugated Cardboard is made of a heavy brown paper and has a wavy layer between two flat outer layers.  Cardboard with tape, labels or metal staples is acceptable.   Packing materials like Styrofoam or plastic should be removed and boxes flattened prior to recycling.  Cardboard is one of the largest single sources of recovered paper, comprising over 50% of all paper recovered for recycling in the U.S.  Completely removing cardboard from the waste stream going into the landfill would result in a 10% reduction in tonnage, dramatically extending space and the lifespan of the landfill.

Local businesses will need to start recycling corrugated cardboard rather than disposing of it in their regular trash.  Loads being dumped at the landfill that contain corrugated cardboard may be rejected or subject to additional charges. Businesses can haul recyclable cardboard to the Ottumwa / Wapello County Recycling Center themselves or hire a commercial hauler.    Individuals hauling loads of cardboard in open trucks are encouraged to cover their loads to avoid creating wind-blown litter.  Residential Recycling Customers are not included under the cardboard ban, but are encouraged to participate. The City's weekly residential curbside recycling program includes collection of an unlimited amount of recyclables each week, including corrugated cardboard.

Bain added, "While residential recyclers are not being required to recycle corrugated cardboard yet, we do encourage them to actively recycle as much as they can."