We don’t have many recycling options in Carlsbad anymore, but there are options for those that wish to take the time and do it. Cardboard is an easy one to start with, as the CARC Document Destruction Services (CDDS), a division of CARC Inc. takes cardboard for recycling.

This can be in the form of cardboard and paper. For example, the boxes that online orders come in are excellent for reusing or recycling. Typical household cardboard, things like cereal boxes, cracker boxes, the box that butter comes in, wrapping paper, etc can all be broken down and taken to CDDS. Some items that should not be taken in: cardboard or paper that has food stains or food debris on them; like pizza boxes from restaurants. Items with waxy coatings, like juice or milk cartons, or that have foil (think that pretty foil wrapping paper) in with them are not good for recycling and should be thrown out with regular trash.

There is no charge for bringing in household cardboard and paper. Sensitive documents that need to be securely shredded can be taken as well, with a cost of .25 per pound for shredding services. The CDDS building is located at 102 E Greene St. Please drop off cardboard during open hours of 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Another option for cardboard is to take good, sturdy boxes that could be used again for packing, down to Pac N Mail. They accept boxes that can be used for shipping items out of town and are located at 910 W Pierce St.

The City of Carlsbad also holds a Hazardous Household Waste Take Back Day twice a year, typically in the spring and fall. The spring one was held on Saturday May 20th down by the Beach Bandshell.

Story and photos by Michele Robertson