Maximize the value
of your recyclable cardboard
Old Corrugated Containers (OCC), commonly referred to as corrugated cardboard, are one of the most valuable recyclable materials generated by commercial businesses.
International Paper helps retailers, manufacturers, grocery operations, distribution centers, and other commercial facilities recover OCC material through scalable cardboard recycling programs designed around their operations.
Our nationwide recycling network supports reliable collection, transportation, equipment recommendations, and reporting that help businesses recover valuable fiber and keep materials moving through the recycling process.
What Is OCC Recycling?
OCC recycling is the recovery of Old Corrugated Containers (OCC), including used cardboard boxes and shipping containers generated after their intended use.
Once collected, OCC can be transported through International Paper's recycling network and prepared for use in manufacturing new fiber-based products. Recovering corrugated materials helps keep valuable fiber in circulation while supporting efficient material handling for commercial operations.
Why Businesses Recycle OCC
For businesses that generate corrugated packaging every day, recovering OCC can help improve material handling, reduce loose packaging in work areas, and keep valuable fiber moving through the recycling process. A well-designed recycling program also creates a more consistent approach to collection, transportation, and reporting across commercial operations.
Commercial Cardboard Recycling Solutions
Businesses generate corrugated packaging every day through shipping, receiving, manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution activities. A well-designed cardboard recycling program helps recover these materials while supporting cleaner operations and consistent material movement.
International Paper works with customers to design recycling programs based on their material volumes, facility layout, equipment needs, and operational goals. Whether supporting a single location or coordinating multiple facilities, our recycling specialists help create programs that fit each business.
How the OCC Recycling Process Works
01. Assessment
We review your fiber streams, equipment, facility footprint, and recycling goals.
02. Program Design
Our specialists recommend equipment, pickup frequency, consolidation points, and routing based on your operations.
03. Rollout
We coordinate equipment installation, training, safety considerations, and program implementation.
04. Pickup & Management
Collected OCC is transported through our recycling network using scheduled pickups designed around customer needs.
05. Reporting & Continuous Improvement
Regular reporting helps customers monitor recovery performance while identifying opportunities to improve their recycling programs over time.
Why Choose International Paper for OCC Recycling?
International Paper combines one of North America's largest fiber recovery networks with extensive recycling experience to support commercial customers. By connecting commercial businesses, recycling facilities, and paper mills, International Paper Recycling helps keep quality recovered fiber in circulation while supporting more efficient commercial recycling programs.
Nationwide Recycling Coverage
Reliable Pickup Scheduling
OCC Collection and Purchasing
Equipment Recommendations
Program Reporting
Onsite Assessments
Closed-loop Recycling Solutions
Experienced Recycling Specialists
How International Paper Supports OCC Recycling
International Paper designs and manages recycling programs that route collected fiber-based materials to manufacturing facilities that reuse them.
OCC Collection
We collect and purchase old corrugated containers from commercial businesses with transparent weights and documentation.
Equipment & Program Design
Our team provides recommendations for balers, compactors, containers, and other material handling solutions that help improve recovery and operational efficiency.
Pickup & Transportation
Reliable pickup schedules and coordinated transportation help move recovered fiber from customer facilities to recycling plants and paper mills.
On-Site Assessments
Our recycling specialists conduct waste audits and review existing operations to identify opportunities for improving recovery while reducing contamination.
Reporting
Program reporting provides visibility into collected material weights, pickups, locations, and recycling activity.
Industries We Serve
International Paper develops recycling programs for businesses across a wide range of industries. Each operation generates different material volumes and has unique handling requirements. Our team works with customers to build programs around those operational needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is OCC?
Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) are used corrugated boxes and packaging materials generated after their intended use. They are one of the most commonly recovered fiber materials in commercial recycling programs. Cardboard has the highest recycling rate of 69% - 74% as of 2024.
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What is the difference between OCC recycling and cardboard recycling?
OCC recycling specifically refers to the recovery of old corrugated containers. Cardboard recycling is the more commonly used term and generally refers to recycling corrugated cardboard generated by businesses and consumers.
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What cardboard materials does International Paper collect?
International Paper collects and purchases Old Corrugated Containers (OCC), Double Lined Kraft (DLK) box clippings, and other approved fiber-based recyclable materials.
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Does International Paper provide recycling equipment?
Our recycling specialists place or provide recommendations for balers, compactors, container sizing, and other equipment based on each customer's material volumes and operational needs.
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Can International Paper support multiple locations?
Yes. International Paper supports both individual facilities and multi-location commercial operations through coordinated collection, transportation, reporting, and recycling program management.
Contact our Recycling Team
Whether your business manages one location or many, International Paper can help develop an OCC recycling program that aligns with your operational needs and material volumes.
Connect with our recycling specialists to discuss your materials, equipment, pickup requirements, and facility goals