For businesses in Des Moines, managing paper and packaging waste is part of daily operations. Offices generate paper documents, warehouses handle shipments, and manufacturers rely on corrugated packaging to move products. Over time, these materials add up.
Understanding what can be recycled is key to making the most of recycling in Des Moines, Iowa. With the right approach, businesses can recover valuable fiber, improve productivity, and support a more responsible system for paper and packaging.
Why Knowing What to Recycle Matters
Not all paper materials are the same. Some are easily recycled and turned into new products, while others may require special handling or are not accepted in standard recycling streams.
For businesses using recycling in Des Moines, Iowa, proper material selection helps:
Keep recycling streams clean and productive
Improve the quality of recovered fiber
Reduce contamination that can disrupt processing
Make sure materials are successfully reused
When recyclable materials are sorted correctly, they are more likely to stay in circulation and be transformed into new paper and packaging products.
What Is OCC and Why It Matters
OCC stands for Old Corrugated Containers. This includes the cardboard boxes used for shipping, storage and promotion across nearly every industry.
OCC is one of the most valuable materials in commercial recycling because it can be recycled multiple times into new packaging products. Businesses that handle shipments regularly often generate large volumes of OCC, making it a key focus for recycling in Des Moines, Iowa.
By recycling OCC, companies help maintain a steady supply of fiber used to produce new corrugated packaging.
Common Paper Materials Accepted for Recycling
Most commercial recycling programs in Des Moines accept a wide range of paper products. These materials are commonly found in offices, warehouses, and production environments.
Office Paper
Office paper is one of the easiest materials to recycle. Accepted items typically include:
Printer and copier paper
Envelopes
Letterhead
Shredded paper when properly contained
These materials can be processed and turned into new paper products.
Corrugated Cardboard (OCC)
Corrugated packaging is widely accepted and plays a central role in recycling in Des Moines, Iowa. Businesses can recycle:
Shipping boxes
Corrugated sheets
Packaging inserts
Because of its durability and fiber quality, corrugated cardboard is a valuable material that supports ongoing packaging production.
Paperboard
Paperboard is thinner than corrugated cardboard and is often used for consumer packaging. Examples include:
Product boxes, such as cereal boxes
File folders
Lightweight packaging materials
These materials are commonly included in mixed paper recycling streams.
Mixed Paper
Mixed paper includes a variety of paper products that can be grouped together during recycling. These may include:
Magazines
Catalogs
Brochures
Mail and printed materials
Including mixed paper in Des Moines, Iowa, recycling programs helps capture additional fiber that can be reused.
Materials That May Not Be Accepted
While many paper products are recyclable, some materials may not be suitable for standard recycling processes and if you have a question about the recyclability of a product, you should consult the expertise of your recycling provider.
Contaminated Paper
Paper that has been heavily soiled with food, grease, or other substances is often not accepted. Keeping materials clean is important for maintaining quality.
Coated or Laminated Paper
Paper with coatings such as wax or plastic can interfere with recycling. Examples include:
Wax-coated boxes
Laminated materials
Certain food packaging
These items may require alternative disposal methods.
Specialty Paper Products
Some specialty papers may need separate handling, including:
Thermal paper
Carbon paper
Heavily dyed paper
Businesses should confirm acceptance of these materials with their recycling provider.
How Commercial Recycling Services Support Businesses
Commercial recycling services are designed to handle large volumes of paper and OCC efficiently. These services help businesses make recycling in Des Moines, Iowa, part of their regular workflow.
Common benefits include:
Scheduled collection based on business needs
Solutions for high-volume materials like OCC
Guidance on sorting and preparation
Integration with warehouse or office operations
With the right support, recycling becomes a consistent and manageable process.
Best Practices for Preparing Paper and OCC for Recycling
To make sure materials are successfully recycled, businesses should follow a few simple guidelines.
Keep materials clean and dry
Break down corrugated boxes when baling or compactor equipment isn't available
Separate recyclable materials
Train employees
These steps help get the most from the effectiveness of recycling in Des Moines, Iowa, programs.
Supporting a Circular System for Paper and Packaging
Recycling paper and OCC is part of a larger system that keeps materials in use. When businesses participate in recycling in Des Moines, Iowa, they help recover fiber that can be used to create new products.
This circular approach allows paper and packaging to move through multiple lifecycles, reducing waste and supporting responsible resource use.
For businesses in Des Moines, recycling is more than a task. It is a way to manage materials efficiently while contributing to a system that keeps valuable resources working longer.
Making Recycling Work for Your Business
Understanding what materials are accepted is the first step toward building a successful recycling program. With the right knowledge and processes in place, businesses can handle paper and OCC efficiently while supporting operational goals.
By focusing on proper sorting, clean materials, and consistent collection, recycling in Des Moines, Iowa, becomes a reliable part of daily operations. It helps businesses stay organized, reduce waste, and support a future where paper and packaging continue to deliver value long after their first use.
