What should you do with cardboard boxes before disposing of them?

Breaking down cardboard boxes before disposing of them is an important practice in a back-of-house environment for several reasons. Firstly, it maximizes space within disposal containers and recycling bins, allowing for more efficient use of these resources. When boxes are flattened, they occupy significantly less volume, which helps in reducing the frequency of waste pickups and contributes to overall waste management efficiency.

Additionally, breaking down boxes aids in the recycling process. Many recycling facilities prefer or require that cardboard be flattened to streamline sorting and processing, making it easier to recycle the material effectively. By following this procedure, you also demonstrate adherence to SOPs regarding waste disposal and sustainability practices, which are essential components of efficient kitchen operations.

The other options, such as throwing them in the dumpster without breaking them down, reusing them, or storing them, do not align with the best environmental practices or the operational standards expected in the back-of-house setting.