How Does Cardboard Pollute?

Pollutants from Cardboard Production

Cardboard production produces the majority of pollutants associated with cardboard. When this product is made, trees are cut down and and turned into a pulp which creates sulfur dioxide emissions. Sulfur dioxide dissolves in water vapor and is released into the atmosphere, where it joins with other gases to create sulfates. When too many are in the air, sulfates can be harmful to people and their environment.

Pollutants from Existing Cardboard

Existing cardboard is biodegradable and contains no toxic components, making it safe to discard. However, it's important to keep in mind what happens to cardboard after it's thrown away. Cardboard that is moved to landfills takes up space for years until it fully breaks down. Cardboard that is incinerated releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases can contribute to climate change, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Reducing Cardboard-Based Pollution

The best way to reduce cardboard-based pollution is to recycle cardboard products, either by reusing them at home or breaking them down and taking them to a recycling center. Clean, dry corrugated cardboard products can be recycled into new cardboard items. This process releases a very small amount of pollutants compared with making new cardboard.

References

• Recycling Cardboard
• How Sulfur Dioxide Affects the Way We Live
• Paper Recycling