Old Town, Maine (Associated Press)-A Maine paper mill requires local residents to turn cardboard into packaging material because of the rising cost of the raw materials it normally uses.

Old Town's ND Paper uses cardboard and corrugated containers to make pulp, which is then used to make packaging. However, a representative of the company told Bangor Daily News that obtaining these materials has become increasingly difficult and expensive.

According to the "Daily News", the company asked residents in the old city and surrounding communities to put down cardboard, cereal boxes and pizza boxes. The company also has offices in Maine and other locations outside the state, saying this is its first attempt to source materials from residents.

The company has tried similar programs for employees elsewhere in the past.

ND Paper spokesperson Brennan Burks told the Daily News that last year's supply chain issues and the COVID-19 pandemic pushed up raw material prices. Burks also said: “Everyone and their brothers also jumped on the boat to make boxes.”