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Boxing days

It is peak season for cardboard recycling

Flat-stacking boxes maximizes workspace and keeps floors clear of cardboard box congestion.

The USPS Environmental Affairs and Corporate Sustainability team is reminding postal employees of the importance of following the proper procedures for recycling cardboard during the holiday season.

During fiscal year 2022, the Postal Service recycled more than 85,000 tons of cardboard. Of that amount, more than 15,000 tons were recycled in November and December of 2021.

During this time of heavy mail and package volume, postal facilities should maximize cardboard reuse as well as maintain orderly work floors by flat-stacking cardboard boxes and minimizing floor space for cardboard box storage.

This includes cardboard mail transport equipment and boxes in administrative offices.

“All offices should make every effort to reuse postal cardboard to the maximum extent,” said Jennifer Beiro-Réveillé, chief sustainability officer. “For nonreusable cardboard or mailer cardboard, ensuring proper recycling procedures in our busiest season supports our organizational goal of diverting 75 percent of waste from landfills by fiscal year 2030.”

The organization has a SharePoint page with best practices for cardboard handling, reuse and recycling at postal facilities.

“Recycling cardboard allows USPS to reduce landfill costs and demonstrates our role as good stewards of the environment,” Beiro-Réveillé said.

More information about the Postal Service’s recycling efforts can be found on Blue.