Top Tips for Managing Cardboard Waste in the Restaurant Industry

The restaurant industry is facing a cost-of-living crisis with dramatic increases in overheads such as energy, rent and waste collection. These inflationary costs are putting pressure on operators to increase their menu prices however, many are worried that this could have a negative impact on the number of people who choose to dine out. For restaurants who generate a high amount of cardboard waste, it can be difficult to find a cost-effective solution.

How Much Cardboard Waste is Generated by The Restaurant Industry  

There are thousands of restaurants around the UK, so naturally they generate a lot of business waste. Much of this is food, but packaging from deliveries makes up a high proportion of this waste too. Because restaurants often receive lots of deliveries packaged in cardboard, this bulky waste can cause bins to overflow if not properly managed.
Around 7 million tonnes of cardboard is sent to landfill each year. Restaurants have an important responsibility to make sure that the waste they produce is sent to the right place to help prevent this figure from increasing.

Why is it Important to Manage Your Cardboard Waste? 

There are many benefits for the environment if cardboard waste is recycled including:

• Saving raw materials
• Taking a step towards reducing greenhouse gases
• Sending less waste to landfill

From a commercial perspective, it is important that all operators within the restaurant industry handle their cardboard waste responsibly to help maintain and boost the overall reputation of the UK hospitality industry. From an individual business point of view, the kerb-appeal of your restaurant cannot be underestimated, with many potential diners judging whether to visit a venue by what they can see outside the building. Businesses who store waste in an area that can be seen by the public need to ensure that they have an appropriate solution in place. Businesses also need to be aware of some strict environmental regulations surrounding waste disposal in the UK. If these aren’t followed, then fines and other legal consequences can occur as a result.

Top Tips to Manage Cardboard Waste  

For any business that produces waste, managing it must be done appropriately. This includes looking at how to sort it, what happens to it after its use and even cutting down on how much of it is used in the first place. 

1. Setting up Dedicated Bins 

The first step to avoid cardboard and other recyclable materials getting mixed with non-recyclable waste is to source a variety of bins. Instead of waste lying around and being forgotten, having specific bins that are clearly marked can help your staff to dispose of it correctly. This is particularly good for cardboard, which can pile up fast. 

In order for cardboard to be recycled, it needs to be dry. Thus, having a bin under a shelter can help with this as it keeps it all sheltered from the weather. However, having lots of bins on site may not be option due to space constraints therefore a business may have to consider using a type of waste compactor to condense waste before it is placed into bins.

2. Disposing of Waste on a Regular Schedule 

Many restaurants partner with companies who deal with waste management to plan regular collections. A regular schedule will reduce waste on site, creating more space. However, waste collection firms often charge per bin empty which, if you have lots of part-filled bins containing cardboard can be expensive.

3. Using a Cardboard Baler to Boost Efficiency  

Cardboard balers are the preferred option. They work by compacting your cardboard waste, which makes it easier to store and transport, but they come with many other benefits for businesses too. Cardboard balers are ideal for managing a high volume of waste in a short amount of time. For restaurants who are overwhelmed with a large amount of cardboard, and spend a lot of time flattening it, cardboard balers can do this for you. If you’re producing enough, there’s a chance you could even make money by selling the cardboard bales you create to recyclers.

4. Sending Your Waste to the Right Place  

If waste goes to landfill, it’ll be decomposing for a long time. This method of disposal is unhealthy for the environment for many reasons. It destroys habitats, contaminates water and soil, and creates greenhouse gases. Cardboard is easy to recycle so should be done as much as possible. Finding a reputable and reliable waste collector is very important.

Other Waste Management Solutions  

Across the UK, QCR provides thousands of businesses in the UK with cardboard waste balers, compactors and shredders, all manufactured to the highest quality. Our waste equipment can reduce your waste costs by up to 75%! QCR’s team are dedicated to helping businesses in the restaurant industry to save money on rubbish disposal.

You can also rent a baler from us for your cardboard waste with prices beginning from only £14.91 a week excluding VAT. This low price includes free delivery, servicing, and installation and is available to most restaurants in the UK (some geographical restrictions apply).

Not just specialists in cardboard compactors, QCR are a leading supplier in the UK of recycling machinery for the restaurant industry to handle other types of waste including glass bottles, food cans, polystyrene and plastic bottles.