Safety Signs

Cardboard Recycling Sign

SKU IB-SAF-053
From £5.28· UK delivery £7.95, free over £99

A Cardboard Recycling sign tells people which waste goes where, so waste streams stay separated. Choose 3mm Foamex, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite and self-adhesive vinyl in sizes from A4 (210 × 297 mm) to A2 (420 × 594 mm); the largest reads at about 17 metres.

Turnaround
…Working out your price

Price is final. No VAT added. UK delivery £7.95, free over £99. Scottish Highlands +£10; islands and NI quoted.

Artwork

Design fees are fixed, shown as their own line in your basket, and cover the whole quantity of this item. You can also upload later: we email you after you order.

UK mainland delivery £7.95, free on orders over £99. Remote areas are quoted.

  • Every file checked before print
  • Final price, no VAT added
  • Secure card payment by Stripe
  • Checked by our Manchester team

Overview

The short answer, then the detail.

A Cardboard Recycling sign tells people which waste goes where, so waste streams stay separated. Choose 3mm Foamex, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite and self-adhesive vinyl in sizes from A4 (210 × 297 mm) to A2 (420 × 594 mm); the largest reads at about 17 metres. UK mainland delivery £7.95, free over £99; no VAT added.

This Cardboard Recycling sign tells people which waste goes where, so waste streams stay separated. It is typically used in bin stores, recycling points, skips and site waste compounds. The design uses a clear blue and white information layout.

Put it on or above the bin, bay or skip for cardboard only, and pair it with signs for your other waste streams so nothing ends up in the wrong place.

In England, Simpler Recycling rules introduced in 2025 require most workplaces to separate recyclable waste from general waste. Clear bin signs make separation work in practice.

Cardboard Recycling Sign: sizes and materials

Materials: 3mm Foamex (rigid PVC foam board), light and easy to fix indoors or for short-term outdoor use, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite, rigid and weatherproof for long-term outdoor use and self-adhesive vinyl for smooth walls, doors, glass and equipment. Indoors, Foamex or vinyl is usually all you need.

How far away will people be? As a guide we allow about 1 metre of viewing distance for every 25mm of sign height, based on the distance-factor method in ISO 3864-1: A4 (210 × 297 mm) (reads at about 8 m); A3 (297 × 420 mm) (reads at about 12 m); A2 (420 × 594 mm) (reads at about 17 m).

Where to put it: On or directly above the bin, skip or bay it refers to.

Artwork, file check and delivery

Every order for a cardboard recycling sign gets a free file check by a person before anything is made. Depending on the size and material you choose, we print it in our Manchester workshop or our UK production partner makes it to order. UK mainland delivery is £7.95 per order, free on orders of £99 and over; see delivery for timings and areas. We are not VAT registered, so no VAT is added to the price shown.

More like this: recycling signs, or the full safety signs range. Not sure which to choose? Read our guide to safety sign colours.

Cardboard Recycling Sign: ordering and delivery

Ordering cardboard recycling sign online is simple: choose the options above, see the price straight away, then upload your own artwork or pick an artwork option. Every uploaded file for your cardboard recycling sign order gets a free check before anything is made. UK mainland delivery is £7.95 per order, free on orders of £99 and over; see delivery for timings and areas.

More like this: Recycling and Waste Signs, or all safety signs. Not sure which to choose? Read our guide to safety sign colours and ISO 7010.

Safety signs at work are required by the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 wherever a risk cannot be avoided or controlled another way.

Prices by size

Popular sizes, smallest first.

Size3mm Foamex3mm Dibond aluminium compositeself-adhesive vinyl
A4 · 210 × 297 mm
A3 · 297 × 420 mm
A2 · 420 × 594 mm

Final prices per item with the lowest-priced options. UK delivery £7.95, free on orders over £99. Choose a price to load it into the price calculator.

Specifications

Materials, sizes and finishing for this product.

MessageCardboard Recycling
Sign typeInfo
Materials3mm Foamex, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite and self-adhesive vinyl
SizesA4 (210 × 297 mm), A3 (297 × 420 mm), A2 (420 × 594 mm)
Viewing distanceA4: 8 m, A3: 12 m, A2: 17 m
PrintFull colour, single sided
Made byMade to order by InstantBanners, Manchester, in our workshop or by our UK production partner, depending on the option
SKUIB-SAF-053
PriceFinal price shown in the configurator. No VAT is added.
DeliveryUK mainland £7.95 per order, free on orders of £99 and over. Scottish Highlands +£10; islands and NI quoted.
Artwork checkFree file check on uploaded artwork (resolution, size and bleed).

Which size do I need?

A safety sign must be large enough to read from where people will see it. Our conservative guide, based on the distance-factor method in ISO 3864-1, is about 1 metre of viewing distance for every 25 mm of sign height (the shorter side). Use it with your own risk assessment.

SizeReadable from up to about
A4 (210 × 297 mm)8 m
A3 (297 × 420 mm)12 m
A2 (420 × 594 mm)17 m

Well lit or internally lit signs can be read from further away; dim areas need larger signs.

Who makes it

Made to order by InstantBanners, Manchester

InstantBanners is a sign and print shop in Manchester. We check your file will print well. Depending on the size and material you choose, it is printed in our Manchester workshop or made by our UK production partner.

  1. 01Your artworkUpload your print-ready file, or choose one of our paid design services.
  2. 02File checkA person checks uploaded files for size, bleed and resolution.
  3. 03Made to orderPrinted in our Manchester workshop or by our UK production partner, depending on the option, then sent to you.

Frequently asked questions

About cardboard recycling sign.

What size Cardboard Recycling sign do I need?

Pick the size by how far away people will read it. A4 (210 × 297 mm) reads at about 8 m, A3 (297 × 420 mm) reads at about 12 m, A2 (420 × 594 mm) reads at about 17 m. These distances are a conservative guide for normal lighting.

Is there an ISO 7010 symbol for "Cardboard Recycling"?

No ISO 7010 symbol covers this exact message, so it is a text sign in the standard info colour layout.

Where should the Cardboard Recycling sign go?

On or directly above the bin, skip or bay it refers to. Keep it clear of anything that could block the view.

Is a Cardboard Recycling sign a legal requirement?

In England, Simpler Recycling rules introduced in 2025 require most workplaces to separate recyclable waste from general waste. Clear bin signs make separation work in practice. Your own risk assessment decides where signs are needed.

Which material should I choose?

Indoors, 3mm Foamex is light and easy to fix. Self-adhesive vinyl suits smooth doors, glass and machinery. Choose Dibond aluminium composite if the sign will be outside or needs to be tougher.

How do I fix it?

Rigid boards are supplied undrilled. Fix them with sign-mounting tape, screws through holes you drill, or cable ties on fencing. Vinyl is self-adhesive and goes onto clean, smooth, dry surfaces.

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What customers say about our Manchester print shop on Google

5.0Google rating
Rebecca W.

Great service, nice quick communication via WhatsApp, easy transaction thank you!

Google review of our Manchester print shop
Imran K.

Great service and quick respond

Google review of our Manchester print shop
Basheus K.

Great service, value for money and does what he says. Hes a good man Imran.

Google review of our Manchester print shop

These are Google reviews of our Manchester print shop, not reviews of individual products, as shown on Google on 27 September 2026. Read all reviews on Google.

Questions

Buyer questions about this product, answered. Can't see yours? Ask below and our team will reply.

Which sizes can I order the Cardboard Recycling Sign in?

The Cardboard Recycling Sign comes in 3 listed sizes, from A4 (210 × 297 mm) at £5.28 up to A2 (420 × 594 mm) at £9.82. In between: A3 (297 × 420 mm). Prices are the lowest option for each size.

How far away can the Cardboard Recycling Sign be read?

Work back from how far away people will be when they need to read it. Using our guide of about 1 m of viewing distance for every 25 mm of sign height: A4 (210 × 297 mm) reads from about 8 m, A3 (297 × 420 mm) reads from about 12 m and A2 (420 × 594 mm) reads from about 17 m. In poor light, or where people are moving quickly, go a size up. The guide is based on the distance-factor method in ISO 3864-1; use it with your own risk assessment.

I do not have artwork. Can you design it for me?

The Artwork choice on this page offers: "I will upload print-ready artwork" (free), "Add my text and logo to a clean layout (typesetting)" (£15), "Design it for me from my brief" (£35), "Redraw or vectorise my logo from a low-res file" (£50) and "Design a new logo for me" (£100). Design fees are fixed, show as their own line in the basket and cover the whole quantity of that item. Typesetting includes 1 proof and 2 rounds of changes; design from your brief includes 1 design and 2 rounds of changes. For the Cardboard Recycling Sign, set your file up at the size you order, for example A4 (210 × 297 mm).

How much does the Cardboard Recycling Sign cost?

The Cardboard Recycling Sign starts from £5.28 with size A4 (210 × 297 mm) and material self-adhesive vinyl on the Saver turnaround. The price in the calculator changes live as you pick the size, material, finishing, quantity and turnaround, so you see the final price before you add to basket. No VAT is added because we are not VAT registered. Delivery is added at checkout: UK mainland delivery is £7.95 per order and free when your goods total is £99 or more after any discount code (artwork and design fees do not count towards it).

Do you charge for delivery?

UK mainland delivery is £7.95 per order and free when your goods total is £99 or more after any discount code (artwork and design fees do not count towards it), so one sign at £5.28 on its own pays £7.95, and the charge disappears once your basket reaches £99. Mainland Scottish Highlands postcodes add £10 once per order. Northern Ireland, the Scottish islands, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight are quoted before you order.

How long does the Cardboard Recycling Sign take to make?

On the option the calculator opens on, Saver is ready to dispatch in 6 working days, Standard in 4 and Express in 2. These are working days to dispatch, counted from when your order and artwork are confirmed, and other sizes or materials can take a day more or less: the calculator shows the exact days next to each turnaround. Courier delivery usually takes 1 to 3 working days after dispatch, and we email the tracking details when the parcel leaves us. The Cardboard Recycling Sign starts at £5.28 before delivery.

What type of sign is the Cardboard Recycling Sign?

"Cardboard Recycling" is an information sign, giving people clear instructions or directions. No ISO 7010 symbol covers this exact message, so the wording carries it. The colours and shapes follow the scheme set out in the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. The wording on the Cardboard Recycling Sign is "Cardboard Recycling".

Can I get the Cardboard Recycling Sign as a sticker?

Yes. Choose self-adhesive vinyl in the material options and the sign arrives as a sticker to peel and apply. It suits doors, glass, machines, cupboards and smooth painted walls, where a board would be awkward to fix. Clean and dry the surface first and smooth it on from the middle outwards. For rough or dusty surfaces, choose a board instead.

How thick is the Cardboard Recycling Sign?

The board options are 3mm Foamex and 3mm Dibond aluminium composite, so the board version is 3 mm thick. The self-adhesive vinyl version is a thin film that sits flat on the surface. Dibond is two thin aluminium skins with a plastic core, so it is rigid but still easy to fix. Foamex is a light foamed PVC board.

Will the Cardboard Recycling Sign show up at night?

Only where there is light on it. We print on 3mm Foamex, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite and self-adhesive vinyl, which are not reflective or glow in the dark. For car parks, yards and routes used after dark, position signs under existing lighting, or light them. Where your risk assessment calls for reflective or photoluminescent signs, you will need a specialist supplier.

Can the Cardboard Recycling Sign be used outside?

Yes, in the right material. Dibond is the best choice for signs that stay outside long term. Foamex copes with sheltered outdoor spots but is happiest indoors. All printed signs fade slowly in strong sun over time; check them as part of your routine and replace any that are hard to read. The Cardboard Recycling Sign is printed on 3mm Foamex, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite and self-adhesive vinyl.

How do I fix the Cardboard Recycling Sign to a wall or fence?

Foamex and Dibond boards can be screwed to a wall through holes drilled near the corners; use washers and do not overtighten, especially on Foamex. On smooth indoor walls and doors, double-sided foam tape or adhesive pads avoid drilling. On fences, drill the board and cable tie it through the holes. The vinyl version simply peels and sticks to a clean, dry, smooth surface. The Cardboard Recycling Sign is printed on 3mm Foamex, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite and self-adhesive vinyl.

Can I order now and send my artwork later?

Yes. You can upload your file on the product page, or place the order and upload later: we email you after you order. Your designer can send the file to us by email or WhatsApp with your order number, so it does not have to come through you. The turnaround clock starts once your order and artwork are confirmed, so send the file early if you have a deadline. The Cardboard Recycling Sign is printed on 3mm Foamex, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite and self-adhesive vinyl.

Do you check my file before printing?

Yes. A person from our team checks every uploaded file for size, bleed and resolution, and tells you if something needs fixing before anything is made. We print what you supply, so check spelling, phone numbers and dates yourself too. Production starts once your order and artwork are confirmed. The Cardboard Recycling Sign is printed on 3mm Foamex, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite and self-adhesive vinyl.

Can I change the wording or add my logo to the Cardboard Recycling Sign?

Yes. Choose "Add my text and logo to a clean layout" (£15, 1 proof and 2 rounds of changes) or "Design it for me from my brief" (£35) in the Artwork options and tell us what you need. You can also upload your own print-ready file at no charge, and a person checks it before printing. Keep safety symbols and colours as they are: changing them can make the sign harder to understand. The Cardboard Recycling Sign is printed on 3mm Foamex, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite and self-adhesive vinyl.

What happens if my file is not good enough to print?

Our file check catches the usual problems: the wrong size, no bleed, low resolution images and text too close to the edge. We tell you what needs fixing before anything is printed, and you can send a new file. If you would rather we sort it, the typesetting option (£15, 1 proof and 2 rounds of changes) sets your text and logo on a clean layout. The Cardboard Recycling Sign comes in 3 listed sizes, from A4 (210 × 297 mm) to A2 (420 × 594 mm).

What file should I upload?

A PDF at the finished size is best, with fonts embedded or converted to outlines. We also take AI, EPS and SVG, and high resolution JPG, PNG or TIFF files. Word, PowerPoint and Canva files are fine as a starting point, but export a full-quality PDF if you can. You can upload up to 3 files of 25 MB each on the product page, or upload later: we email you after you order. The Cardboard Recycling Sign is printed on 3mm Foamex, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite and self-adhesive vinyl.

What resolution does my artwork need for this sign?

For items read close up, aim for 300 dpi at the finished size. At 300 dpi an A2 (420 × 594 mm) design needs about 4,961 × 7,016 pixels. Logos and text are best as vector artwork, which stays sharp at any size. Photos taken from websites or social media are usually far too small; our file check flags images that may print soft.

Will the price change at checkout?

Only delivery is added. The goods price you see in the calculator is final, with no VAT added. UK mainland delivery is £7.95 per order and free when your goods total is £99 or more after any discount code (artwork and design fees do not count towards it). Any artwork or design fee you choose shows as its own line in the basket, so you can see exactly what you are paying for. The Cardboard Recycling Sign comes in 3 listed sizes, from A4 (210 × 297 mm) to A2 (420 × 594 mm).

How do I order several of this sign?

The price shown is for one sign in the size and material you pick. Set the quantity box next to Add to basket and the basket multiplies it. If you need several different sizes or materials, add each one to the basket separately. One artwork fee covers the whole quantity of a line, and "Same artwork as another item in my basket" adds no second fee. For large runs, ask for a quote. The Cardboard Recycling Sign comes in 3 listed sizes, from A4 (210 × 297 mm) to A2 (420 × 594 mm).

Can I pay for express production on the Cardboard Recycling Sign?

Yes. Express makes this sign ready to dispatch in 2 working days on the opening option, priced at £7.03 against £5.28 on Saver (6 days). To plan back from a date, add 1 to 3 working days for the courier after dispatch and allow for artwork: production starts once your order and artwork are confirmed. If the date is very tight, call 0161 315 1151 before you order.

Do you deliver Cardboard Recycling Sign to the Scottish Highlands?

Yes, with a difference in price. Mainland Scottish Highlands postcodes, for example around Inverness, Fort William, Oban and Thurso, pay the mainland rate plus £10 once per order, even when the order qualifies for free delivery. Northern Ireland, the Scottish islands, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight are quoted before you order: use Get a quote or call 0161 315 1151. We do not deliver outside the UK. On the opening option, the Cardboard Recycling Sign is ready to dispatch in 6 working days on Saver or 2 on Express.

How do the material prices compare on the Cardboard Recycling Sign?

At A4 (210 × 297 mm): 3mm Foamex £29.26, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite £42.94 and self-adhesive vinyl £5.28. The gap stays similar on bigger sizes, which the Prices by size table on this page shows in full. Choose on where the sign goes rather than price alone: the cheapest material is not always the one that lasts in that spot.

What other signs go with the Cardboard Recycling Sign?

Signs that are often needed alongside it include Do Not Litter Use the Bins Provided Sign, Do Not Litter Sign, Mixed Recycling (Double Sided) Sign and Electrical Recycling Sign. Each has its own page with sizes, materials and live prices, and ordering them in the same material keeps a set looking consistent. Add them to one basket: delivery is charged once, and it is free once the goods total reaches £99. The Cardboard Recycling Sign is printed on 3mm Foamex, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite and self-adhesive vinyl.

Is the Cardboard Recycling Sign portrait or landscape?

This design is portrait, in A4 (210 × 297 mm), A3 (297 × 420 mm) and A2 (420 × 594 mm). Portrait suits doors, posts and narrow wall spaces. If you need the other way round, choose a design option and we will lay it out for you.

Can I get the Cardboard Recycling Sign bigger than A2 (420 × 594 mm)?

The largest listed size is A2 (420 × 594 mm), from £9.82. For a bigger sign, use Get a quote with the size, material and quantity, and we will price it. Boards larger than A0 travel as oversize items, which adds £15 once per order.

Can I trim or drill this sign myself?

Foamex and Correx cut with a sharp craft knife and a straight edge: score a few times, then snap or cut through. Dibond has aluminium skins, so it needs a fine-toothed saw and a steady hand. Drill fixing holes with an ordinary drill bit, going slowly, and keep holes at least 10 mm from the edge. Cutting into the print loses the bleed, so allow for it in the design. The Cardboard Recycling Sign is printed on 3mm Foamex, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite and self-adhesive vinyl.

Can I put the Cardboard Recycling Sign on a door?

Yes. Self-adhesive vinyl is the neatest choice for doors and glass panels. A 3mm Foamex board with double-sided foam tape also works well on a flat door. Place it at eye level on the push side or beside the door, where it is not hidden when the door is open. If the door is a fire door, check with whoever manages it before screwing anything into it.

Will my brand colours print exactly?

Supply CMYK where you can. RGB files are converted to CMYK for print, which can make very bright greens, blues and oranges look slightly duller. If you need a brand colour matched, give us the Pantone reference and we match it as closely as the material allows. Small differences between a screen and the printed item are normal, because screens give off light and print reflects it. The Cardboard Recycling Sign comes in 3 listed sizes, from A4 (210 × 297 mm) to A2 (420 × 594 mm).

Will this sign be easy to read for people with poor sight?

Strong contrast, a plain bold typeface and a size to suit the viewing distance make the biggest difference. Our standard safety sign designs use the high-contrast colour pairs set by the safety sign scheme. Place signs at eye level, well lit and without glare, and keep the wording short. For the Cardboard Recycling Sign, set your file up at the size you order, for example A4 (210 × 297 mm).

How do I pay?

By debit or credit card at checkout. Payments are processed securely by Stripe, and we never see or store your full card number. Your order goes into production once payment is taken and your order and artwork are confirmed. For a large or unusual order you can ask for a quote first. The Cardboard Recycling Sign starts at £5.28 before delivery.

Can I order several different designs in one order?

Yes. Add each design to the basket as its own line with its own file or online design, then check out once. Delivery is charged once per order, and becomes free when the goods total reaches £99. If several lines use the same artwork, choose "Same artwork as another item in my basket" so you only pay one design fee. The Cardboard Recycling Sign is printed in our Manchester workshop or by our UK production partner, depending on the size and material.

Can I get a quote for a large order or an unusual size of the Cardboard Recycling Sign?

Yes. Use the Get a quote page and tell us the size, quantity, material, deadline and delivery postcode, and attach any artwork you have. We reply by email or WhatsApp with a price. A quote is also the way to go for delivery to Northern Ireland and the islands. The Cardboard Recycling Sign starts at £5.28 before delivery.

Can someone help me choose the right options for this sign?

Yes. Call us on 0161 315 1151 or message us on WhatsApp and tell us where the sign will go, how long it needs to last and your deadline. You can also ask a question on this page; our team answers and the question may be published to help other buyers. For a price on something the calculator does not cover, use Get a quote. The Cardboard Recycling Sign starts at £5.28 before delivery.

Can I return this sign if I change my mind?

No. This sign is printed to your order, and the 14-day right to cancel does not apply to goods made to your specification (Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, regulation 28(1)(b)). You can cancel for a full refund before production starts. If an item is faulty, damaged or not what you ordered, your Consumer Rights Act 2015 rights apply and we reprint or refund. The Cardboard Recycling Sign is printed in our Manchester workshop or by our UK production partner, depending on the size and material.

Do I need an account to order?

No. You can check out as a guest and pay by debit or credit card, processed securely by Stripe. Creating an account at checkout lets you see past orders in My Account. Either way you get an order confirmation email and a tracking email when your order is dispatched. The Cardboard Recycling Sign starts at £5.28 before delivery.

Where is the Cardboard Recycling Sign made?

The Cardboard Recycling Sign is printed in our Manchester workshop or by our UK production partner, depending on the size and material. Either way, InstantBanners takes the order, checks your file and deals with you from start to finish, and the item is delivered to you by courier. You can reach our Manchester team on 0161 315 1151 or WhatsApp if you have a question before or after you order.

Can I change my artwork after ordering?

Contact us straight away on 0161 315 1151 or WhatsApp with your order number. If production has not started we can take a corrected file, or cancel the order and refund you in full. Once production starts the order cannot be changed. Printing that matches the design you approved or the file you supplied is not a fault, so check spelling, phone numbers and dates carefully before you order. The Cardboard Recycling Sign is printed in our Manchester workshop or by our UK production partner, depending on the size and material.

What if my order arrives damaged?

Check it when it arrives. If anything is damaged or missing, tell us within 48 hours with photos of the item and the packaging, through the contact form or on WhatsApp, with your order number. Do not send anything back until we reply; we then arrange a reprint or a refund. This does not affect your legal rights, which the returns page explains. The Cardboard Recycling Sign starts at £5.28 before delivery.

How do I clean this sign?

Wipe with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry. Do not use solvents, scouring pads or strong cleaners, which can dull or lift the print. Store spare boards flat so they do not bow. The Cardboard Recycling Sign is printed on 3mm Foamex, 3mm Dibond aluminium composite and self-adhesive vinyl.

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