Growth properties, oxidation-reduction potential kinetics and hydrogen production of Escherichia coli BW25113 parental strain (PS) and hydrogenase (Hyd)-negative mutants were investigated after fermentative growth using office paper waste and cardboard (PW) hydrolysate (PWH). PWH was obtained by using dilute acid method in a steam sterilizer for 1 h, 121 degrees C. Optimal conditions for bacterial growth and H-2 production were identified (PWH concentrations, pH 7.5). Recording of redox potential using a platinum electrode revealed a drop to -500 +/- 10 mV, with a H-2 yield of similar to 1.45 mmol H-2 L-1 after 4 h of growth using PWH resulted in the formation of 0.20 +/- 0.02 g bacterial cell dry weight L-1. Bacterial biomass formation was stimulated similar to 3-fold upon addition of 0.5% yeast extract, and H-2 production started early - at the beginning of the exponential phase. Moreover, mutants lacking Hyd-1 and Hyd-2 significantly enhanced H-2 production. The findings would be beneficial for the development of H-2 production biotechnology using cheap solid waste materials. (C) 2019 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.