My goal on this website is to cover all the ways to make money, even if it doesn’t make you a ton.  Eventually, my goal is to have hundreds of ways to make cash, whether it’s a few bucks or thousands of dollars.

As there are so many ways to make money, some are quirky, like selling cardboard boxes, whereas some are common knowledge such as these typing jobs or even these driving jobs.  Some ideas may make you $10, while others could make you thousands.  Since I don’t know how much you want to make, I feel it’s best to list as many ideas as possible, leaving it up to you decide what’s right for you.

In today’s post, I wanted to talk about the many ways you can actually sell cardboard boxes.   Whether it’s taking them to a location or listing them online, you can make money doing it.  You just need to know how.

Yes, as long as they are in great condition, you would be amazed at the many ways you can turn your cardboard into some cash.

As a fair warning, as always, you won’t make much, but to be safe, plan on making about $0.25~ per box or much more for a specialty box such as a wardrobe or TV.

So, if you have cardboard boxes lying around the house or even know where to get some, here’s what you can do to make a few bucks today.

Selling Used Cardboard Boxes (Online and In Person)

In this section, I’m going to list the many reputable websites online you can use to sell your cardboard boxes, regardless of how many you have.

And, within each website section, I will briefly explain as to how it works and what you can do to start selling your boxes right now.

Most of these options are free to join and post, but if there are any fees, I will let you know.

BoxCycle

On BoxCycle, you can sell your boxes online in minutes, and the website offers two options:  either by posting the boxes for sale or selling to a buyer directly to someone who posted on the “wanted” sections.

Depending on which option you choose, you don’t necessarily even have to ship your boxes as you can drop them off in person if the buyer lives close by, making for a great choice if you have a ton of boxes and don’t want to ship.

There are no charges to post an ad, but before doing so, just make sure you read the company’s “minimum quality standards” to ensure you meet their guidelines.  As long as the boxes are in good shape, you shouldn’t have a problem.

To make selling simple, they created a list of box types to help you set the default prices that can help you sell your boxes fast.  This was probably the biggest plus as you could browse through the many box types and see what you could get for each one.

And from the looks of it, your average moving box could net you $0.50 to $1.25, whereas a box much bigger, such as a TV box, could net you close to $10.  As you can imagine, the more boxes you have, the more you could potentially make.  You just need to find the right buyer.

• Website:  BoxCycle.com

BoxSmart

BoxSmart is said to be an easy way to sell your surplus boxes and wants to buy your surplus boxes off you.

If you do want to sell, the company notes that they pay up to 100% more than the traditional recycling companies and there are no additional expenses to participate in the program.

To learn more about selling your boxes to BoxSmart, you can visit the link below where you find the FAQ as well as a form you can fill out to have them contact you if there’s interest.

• Website: BoxSmart

Container Exchanger

Container Exchanger is said to be the number one marketplace where you can sell reusable packaging and racks.

To start selling, they ask that you create an account and then log in to “post a sale ad.”  In doing so, they simply ask that you fill it out in its entirety, providing as much information as you can as well as adding pictures if at all possible.

After you click submit, it’s sent out to their staff for review and eventually, approval.

The website provides access to a national network of manufacturers looking to buy your used packaging goods as well as the ability to market your items on a national level.  It could a be good option to reach a different type of customer base aside from the other options mentioned here.

To learn more about the company and how they can sell any reusable packaging, including cardboard boxes, visit the link below for more information.

• Website:  ContainerExchanger.com

Craigslist

I have read that people have had luck selling on Craigslist as well and can make for yet another great option if you don’t mind meeting in person.

As I’m writing this, for instance, I found a ton of boxes for sale.

Sure, while some were free, a few buyers were asking for $0.50 or so per box.  Some were even willing to deliver.  Take lots of pictures, price your boxes right and I don’t see why you wouldn’t be able to find a buyer.

To me, Craigslist is one of the better options, simply due to the fact that there are no fees and you can meet up in person.

• Website:  Craigslist

Rebox

According to the official Rebox website, they are said to be the “North American leader in once used corrugated boxes.”

And much like many of the websites I already listed, Rebox wants to buy your cardboard boxes as long as they are in good condition.

To sell your boxes, all they ask is that you fill out the “get a quote” form I link to below.

Fill it out and see if there’s any interest.

• Website:  Rebox

Recycler Finder

Recycler Finder is an awesome choice if you want to just show up to a local facility, drop off your boxes and get paid.  If you don’t want to mess with dealing with the public, then this is the website to consider for sure.

To use it, just enter your zip code, how far you’re willing to travel and make sure that you specify the material you want to recycle.  In this case, cardboard boxes.

Then, you should be presented with a list of facilities that are willing to accept your cardboard boxes, but before you get excited, let it be known that not all of the facilities will pay you so you will want to visit the facility’s official website to see their current rates.

Aside from cardboard facilities, this website is one to bookmark if you want to recycle just about anything.  Keep it in mind the next time you may want to get paid for something that’s recyclable.

• Website:  Recycler Finder

Search for “Recycling Center” via Yelp and/or Google

The Recycler Finder website I just mentioned does a pretty good job finding a local recycling center, but it doesn’t always find them all.

To expand your listings, a quick search such as “sell cardboard boxes + your zip code” and/or “cardboard recycling center” can yield some results as well.  Not only that, but you should be able to browse the reviews to ensure you’re working with a reputable organization.

Like the Recycle Finder, just make sure that they pay you for your boxes as many simply offer drop-off locations where you just recycle and that’s it.

• Website:  Google and Yelp

Uhaul Box Exchange

The Uhaul Box Exchange works a pinch differently in that you will need to look at listings in your area and see if anyone is requesting what you have.

And, from the looks of it, there appears to be quite a bit of activity every day so there could be a good chance someone in your area is looking for boxes you are willing to sell.

If you find a posting of interest, respond with your offer and see if they are willing to pay.  It may take more work, but it doesn’t hurt to at least look at the list of requesters.  It’s free to look and no sign-up is needed if you just want to browse.

• Website:  Uhaul Box Exchange

UsedCardboardBoxes.com

As the name implies, UsedCardboardBoxes.com sells earth-friendly moving kits, but they will also pay you more than the local recycling rate if you have boxes to sell.

To sell, simply fill out the form located here and see if they are interested in what you have.

From the looks of it, they are looking for vendors that may have 200+ boxes at a time, but I cannot confirm it.   At least fill out the form to see if there’s any interest.

• Website: UsedCardboardBoxes.com

Where to Find Cardboard Boxes

If you want to maximize your cash and want to add even more boxes to your pile, then there are other places you can look to increase your payout.

This section could even help you if you want boxes for another purpose.

Browse the Craigslist Freebies

Check out the Craigslist “freebie” section as there are almost always active listings.  Just make sure you know that you will have to pick them up personally.

I mean, look at all the listings as I was writing this:

This list kept going…

By far, this is the easiest way to snag a ton of boxes at no cost.

Freecycle.org for More Freebies

Like the freebies section on Craigslist, Freecycle.org offers local groups where you can post requests and even browse free classified listings.

Talk to a Manager at a Grocery Store

Talk with a manager at a grocery store and/or retailer to see when they offload their boxes.  It’s a great opportunity to potentially get a ton of boxes frequently.

Check out a Factory, Liquor Store or Restaurant

Factories, liquor stores and restaurants, much like the grocery stores/retailers, is yet another option to consider as well.

Costco and Sam’s Club

If you’re a member of these warehouse clubs or even been to one in the past, then you may already know they allow the public to take as many boxes as they want home.

To find these boxes, they are often located in bins near the cash register or even outside near the doors.  Every store may have its own spot, but to know for sure, ask a manager or even look around the next time you shop to see what’s available.

Granted, these boxes may not be in the best shape, but you could find some in great shape depending on what the box was used for in the first place.

Final Thoughts

In the end, it is entirely possible to make a few cents per cardboard box, again, as look as they are in great condition.  As you can imagine, the prices can add up if you had 50, 100 or 200+ boxes or more.  Remember, the prices really depend on the type of box you have.

It can be tough to find buyers in some towns, but at least try to create a posting and see if there’s any interest.  Usually, you will know right away based on the responses you receive in the first few days.

And while I wouldn’t go out on a cardboard box hunt to make a living, it could definitely be worth it to at least sell off your boxes after a big move or even offload them for someone in the same position.  I would only consider this route if you somehow came in contact with a ton of boxes.

For now, if you have the boxes, at least attempt to sell them before recycling.  Using the tips above, I don’t see why you can’t find at least one buyer who’s able to pay you a fair market value price.