There is no fixed price for a cardboard bale that applies to every business. Cardboard's value as a recyclable material depends on market conditions, the specific load, and how it is bought and sold, which is why we never quote a flat rate upfront.
Why There Is No Single Market Price
In the UK, the recycling of packaging materials, including paper and cardboard, is linked to a system of packaging waste recycling notes (PRNs), which accredited reprocessors issue as evidence that a tonnage of packaging waste has been received for recycling (GOV.UK, issuing PRNs and PERNs; British Glass, PRN system guide). This system, alongside wider demand for recycled fibre, means the underlying market value of recovered cardboard moves with national recycling obligations and demand, not a single published retail price.
National figures show the scale of this material: in 2024, 4,069 thousand tonnes of UK paper and cardboard packaging waste was recycled out of 4,838 thousand tonnes arising, an 84.1% rate (GOV.UK, UK statistics on waste). This confirms cardboard is a heavily traded recyclable material, but it does not translate into a fixed price per tonne or per bale for any individual business.
What Actually Determines Your Quote
For an individual business, several factors affect what a cardboard bale is worth to us as a collection and recycling proposition, including:
- Bale size, weight and dimensions
- Quantity and consistency of supply
- Condition, including moisture and contamination
- Collection location and the transport involved
- Current market conditions for recovered fibre
Because of this, two businesses with apparently similar-looking bales can receive different terms. More detail on these factors is on our cardboard bale prices page.
Rebate or Charge: Why It Depends
Depending on the factors above, a collection may attract a rebate, or it may involve a collection charge, particularly where volume is low, location is remote, or transport costs are high relative to the material's value. We confirm which applies before any collection is arranged. We do not promise a rebate as standard, and the gross value of recovered cardboard is not the same as your net return once collection and transport costs are taken into account.
Getting an Accurate Answer for Your Bales
The only way to know what your specific bales are worth to arrange collection for is to send us your bale sizes, quantities, condition details and postcode. We will review this and confirm an individual quote. Get a collection quote to find out where your load stands.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute professional or legal advice. For guidance on your specific waste, please contact our team.