Are cardboard trash cans more environmentally friendly?

Answer by  nuttree (1596)

Cardboard trash cans are used for a relatively short time; they're disposable, so eventually they become part of the trash you throw out. Permanent receptacles are more environmentally friendly, especially if made of recycled plastic or metal. On the other hand, cardboard is biodegradable and recyclable, so they might be acceptable when permanent trash cans are impractical or unavailable.

Answer by  jsmith (2067)

They are environmentally friendly in the sense that it gives commercial cardboard recyclers another way to use their product, but reusing a plastic trash can for years and years would be more environmentally friendly in the direct sense as opposed to periodically throwing away the trashcan itself.

Answer by  Jessie124 (1885)

Well you'd have to throw them out a lot more often than you would with a plastic one, so overall, the environmental impact might be the same. Instead, try to search for minimally packaged items; that will definitely help out the environment.