Are Long Cardboard Boxes Recyclable? What Businesses Should Know
Recyclability of long cardboard boxes and how to make yours as eco-friendly as possible.
Are they recyclable?
Yes, long cardboard boxes are fully recyclable. They are made from the same corrugated cardboard as standard boxes and are accepted in all UK kerbside recycling collections. The only consideration is that they may need to be broken down to fit in recycling bins due to their length.
Quick answer
Yes, long cardboard boxes are fully recyclable. Flatten them and cut or fold to fit your recycling bin. Remove any plastic tape, foam inserts, or non-cardboard materials first. For businesses, choose recycled board, water-based inks, and paper tape to maximise recyclability. Print recycling instructions on the box so customers know how to dispose of it properly.
Preparing for recycling
Recycling steps0 / 4 checked
Sustainable material choices
Standard recycled corrugated board meets the structural needs of most long box applications.
Verify responsible sourcing with FSC chain-of-custody certification.
Standard for most commercial printing and fully compatible with recycling.
Per product protected, long boxes use similar or less material than multiple smaller boxes.
Go greener: recycled board benefits or FSC certification.
Customer communication
Print recycling instructions on the box: "Please flatten and recycle. Remove tape and inserts first." Long boxes are more visible to customers than small packaging, making them an excellent surface for sustainability messaging.
Recyclable long boxes
Recycled, recyclable long cardboard boxes from ProcuraPack.
Browse long boxesFrequently asked questions
Yes, fully recyclable through standard UK kerbside recycling collections.
Flatten and cut or fold to fit your recycling bin. Most bins cannot accept full-length long boxes.
Yes, boxes printed with water-based inks are fully recyclable.
Standard corrugated board contains 70-80% recycled content. 100% recycled options are available.
Remove plastic tape. Paper tape can be left on as it is recyclable with the cardboard.
Part of our guide
Product Guide: Long Cardboard Boxes
Expert guides on long cardboard boxes for shipping oversized, elongated, and awkward items safely.
Browse all guides →
