Recycle Right: Cardboard in the City of Pensacola

Did you know that cardboard is one of the most common, and most recyclable, items in your home? To make sure it actually gets recycled instead of going to the landfill, it must be prepared correctly.

Flatten All Boxes

Before placing cardboard in your recycling cart, every box must be flattened or broken down.

Why it matters:

• Boxes that aren’t flattened fill carts too quickly
• Lids won’t close and carts may not be collected
• Intact boxes jam recycling equipment

Remove packing materials, cut the seams, and flatten the box so it lies flat inside the cart.

Keep It Clean & Dry

Only recycle clean cardboard such as shipping boxes, moving boxes, and dry food packaging.

Do not recycle greasy pizza boxes, wet cardboard, or food-soiled packaging — these can contaminate an entire recycling load.

Have a Large Amount? Free Pickup Available

After a move or big delivery day, don’t overflow your cart. The City of Pensacola offers free bulk cardboard pickup for residents. Simply flatten and bundle the cardboard and request a collection through the City’s sanitation services.

A Simple Step That Makes a Big Difference

Taking a moment to flatten boxes helps improve recycling efficiency, keeps neighborhoods cleaner, and reduces landfill waste. With cardboard, recycling right starts with a simple fold.

To sign up for curbside recycling:
https://www.cityofpensacola.com/226/Curbside-Recycling

To see what Pensacola residents can and cannot recycle:
https://www.cityofpensacola.com/DocumentCenter/View/28023/Recycle-Information-Card