The most common type seen in commercial and industrial use is corrugated fibreboard which consists of three layers, 2 smooth outer faces and a wavy, fluted corrugation layer in the middle. This is seen in most packaging boxes as it is lightweight but durable. As part of the recycling process, this type of cardboard is often shredded and mixed with water to create a pulp. This is then dried into sheets and reused as the middle layer of new corrugated boxes. It can also be used to make paperboard cardboard.

Paperboard cardboard is a single-ply cardboard. Used mostly in cereal boxes or for toilet roll centres. It is also known as carton or clipboard and it is lightweight and flexible but has little strength. It is easily and widely recyclable though.

Coverings found on cardboard packing often causes issues with recycling, especially if it is glossy or plastic coated. Even if the cardboard itself is recyclable, a covering can deem it non-recyclable. If you are making your cardboard waste into bales, and you mix these coated cardboard products with it, you may contaminate the entire bale. Cardboard packaging that has been used for food, liquid or perishable items is another area to be careful of. If liquid has leaked or if a food item has been damaged during transport and has soaked the cardboard, it is no longer recyclable and should not be put in your cardboard baler.