Cornwall’s rule for extra cardboard (and how to get more bags)

A new washing machine, a flat-pack wardrobe, a run of parcels landing on the doorstep in the same week. However it happens, you end up staring at a stack of cardboard that is never going to fit in one recycling bag. Before it goes anywhere near the bin, here is what Cornwall’s recycling rules actually want you to do with it.

The rule for a one-off pile

📷Credit: Cornwall Council

Cornwall Council and its Cornwall Recycles team say a single big pile does not need a phone call or a special collection. Flatten every box down flat, tie the flattened cardboard into a bundle, and leave it next to your usual recycling bags on collection day. Crews will take it alongside the normal orange bag.

If it keeps happening

A one-off bundle is fine for a single delivery, but some households find they are short on cardboard space most weeks, whether that is from a home business, a big family online shop, or just a lot of packaging. If your orange bag is regularly overflowing, you do not need to keep bundling extra cardboard by the bin. You can order an extra recycling bag online through Cornwall Council, and it gets added to your regular collection.

Everything else you can order the same way

The same online request form covers more than just cardboard. Alongside the orange bag for cardboard, residents can order a red bag for plastic, cartons and metal packaging, a blue bag for paper, a black box for glass and textiles, and a green outdoor caddy for food waste. The one exception is the silver indoor food waste caddy, which the council is not able to replace or supply extra of. Bags and boxes can also be picked up in person at some council libraries and information services, if you would rather not wait for a delivery.

If your bags don’t turn up, or wear out

Ordered containers should arrive within 8 calendar days. Cornwall Council asks people not to place a second order in that window. If it has been longer than 8 days, there is a separate order progress form where you can check on it using the reference number from your confirmation email, which starts with 10100.

Worn out or damaged recycling bags themselves go in with your normal household rubbish once they are done. A cracked or broken glass box is the exception. Those need to be taken to a household waste and recycling centre rather than put out with the rubbish.

📷Credit: Cornwall Council