Where to Find large cardboard boxes?

Cardboard is something we encounter almost every day. Pizza boxes, shipping packages and cartons that hold file folders are just a few examples of cardboard items you may have at your home or office.

But every once in a while you end up with a large amount of cardboard. Maybe you moved or cleaned out a storage unit. Perhaps you ordered a bunch of furniture, appliances or electronic gear that came packaged in giant cardboard boxes.

Under normal circumstances, you would flatten that cardboard and put it in your home recycling bin. But if you had to recycle a large amount of cardboard using just your curbside bin, it could take months. What should you do in these circumstances? We have the answers.

Drop cardboard at your local recycling center

Most cities or counties have a recycling center. If they do, it is very likely they have a dumpster capable of accepting large amounts of cardboard. Break down all your cardboard boxes, load them in the back of a van or pickup truck, and drive them over. Most recycling centers accept materials at no charge, although it is always worth asking.

Also, you do not need to limit your search to a government-run facility. Many private companies have recycling yards where people can drop off large amounts of cardboard and other goods.

Give them away for reuse

Unless you live in a small town, chances are someone else in your community is seeking cardboard boxes. Rather than breaking yours down and recycling them, give them away to people who can reuse them.

There are several ways to connect with these folks. You can put an ad for moving boxes on Craigslist. U-Haul Customer Connect is another free online forum where you can give away cardboard boxes and other supplies. If you have access to any kind of university listserv or bulletin board, post information about your boxes there.

Give them away for composting

If a school, community garden or similar program is just getting started near you, or likes to create their own compost, they may be on the lookout for large amounts of cardboard.

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