Hobbies And Interests
Burned Disposal
Disposing of cardboard is easily accomplished in an incinerator. Before ecology became a political hot button in the 1970s, many homeowners had basement stoves or empty 55-gallon "burn barrels" in their backyards where they could burn cardboard and other combustible waste. Burning cardboard gives off minimal levels of hydrocarbons when compared to petroleum-based plastics. Burning paper and cardboard is still an economical and viable means of disposing of cardboard. In a managed burning plant, energy can be recovered from burned cardboard and can be used in other capacities, such as heating or power generation.
Landfills
According to EPA reports, cardboard and paper products constituted just over 32 percent of all municipal solid waste products in the United States in 2007. Most non-recycled cardboard winds up in commercial landfills. Some of this cannot be avoided because cardboard is easily contaminated by oils, water or other chemicals, which leaves it unsuitable for recycling processes. As a result, cardboard often winds up filling landfills. Fortunately, cardboard is 100 percent biodegradable, and in a short time it decomposes completely.
Fueling Biodegradable Compost Piles
Non-recycled cardboard can be mixed into a consumer compost pile and will help produce rich, black earth. Corrugated cardboard completely decomposes in as little as three years. While some organizations do not recommend composting high amounts of paper products because of the chemicals used in the printing, cardboard typically contains high amounts of carbon and minimal labeling. Consequently, corrugated cardboard and pressed cardboard can be beneficial for creating composted earth. The oxygen trapped between the corrugated cells in the cardboard sheet also helps ferment composting. The trapped air fuels the process by providing needed oxygen for the bacteria, which actively break down composted materials.
Creative Cardboard Furniture
Creative companies such as Gomi are marketing furniture made from non-recycled cardboard. Cardboard that comes straight from boxes or retail stores can be cut, shaped and used as furniture. Reused cardboard is also finding its way into specialty retailers. Pet store shelves feature cat scratching posts assembled from reused cardboard. The corrugated surfaces make an ideal surface for cats to stretch their claws. Rather than destroying the corner of an upholstered couch, felines are attracted to the rough cardboard posts. Another innovate company based in Denmark, EcoChair Folding Furniture Company, markets a line of home furnishings constructed from corrugated cardboard.