With the rise of global shipping and online shopping, we now face a deluge of cardboard packaging from these companies but it’s far from bad in my books. I use my cardboard recycling to upcycle into many art projects and dioramas so it’s great that I have an almost endless supply delivered right to my door, for free!
How do I get rid of cardboard? (Give It Away Or Use It)
- You can take your cardboard to your local recycling center where they will dispose of it safely for you.
- Check your local schools to see if they want it to use as part of an art project.
- Offer your boxes to local moving companies.
- Keep an eye out for neighbors who may be moving.
- Bedding or housing for small pets or animals
- To provide degradable bulk for compost
- Temporary windscreen protectors for snow or sun (may need to be cut to fit)
- Carpet protection when doing DIY
- Cut it into small pieces and put it in the recycling bin
Many people end up with lots of cardboard for many reasons and often struggle to know what to do with it or where they can take it to dispose of it sensibly. Your local recycling center should be your last resort if someone else can find a use for it.
How much is scrap cardboard worth?
In the US and Canada, prices can range from as little as $40 all the way up to $100 per ton. With an average rate of $75. The definition of a US ton is 2,000 lbs of weight.
Given that a medium double-walled cardboard box weighs about a pound you would need to have the ability to not only collect but store 2,000 boxes. Even if they are flat-packed this bulk volume makes them hard to store.
Does anyone buy cardboard?
Yes, some websites (listed below) will pay you from a few cents to a dollar or two for your cardboard boxes but they need to be as close to pristine as possible as they are looking for boxes people can use to move house. General cardboard inserts and scraps of cardboard, even in excellent condition may be harder to sell.
If you have low-quality, damaged boxes, or scraps of cardboard then that may be harder to sell so recycling may be your only option.
Can you make money recycling cardboard?
Yes, the best way to make money from recycling cardboard is to upcycle it by turning it into interesting arts and crafts. You can do this with a minimal amount of skill and learning if you are not creative. You can watch a few videos or tutorials on websites like Youtube for free that will teach you how.
Once you have learned a few basic skills like cutting and painting then you can really get crafting and can easily turn an old cardboard box worth a few cents into something cool like an art deco picture frame or spooky witches cottage, or even a retro lampshade, all of which you could easily sell on places like eBay or Etsy and turn that 25 cents into $25
What can you do with cardboard boxes?
- Cardboard box storage: If they are in good condition then keep them but decorate them and give them a new lease of life
- Cardboard box show tidy: Add some inserts and keep them by the front door to keep all your shoes nice and tidy
- Cardboard box: Art storage container. Keep all your spare supplies neatly in one place until you are ready to use them
- Cardboard box doll house: With some love and craft paint you can turn a humble box into a great toy for a happy child
- Cardboard gaming tiles: Many roleplayers are always in search of decent floor and wall tiles for their next dungeon. Sell them a set you made
- Cardboard box picture: Rather than have a flat picture on a wall give it some depth by making a 3d diorama for your wall.
- Cardboard box lamp: A box doesn’t have to be just a box, with a little bit of trimming, some paper, and a bulb you have turned that humble box into a cool lamp.
- Cardboard animals: Make some interlocking pieces that when assembled turn into really cool-looking animals, like elephants, lions, or giraffes
- Cardboard wall art: Just a flat piece of cardboard can magically transform into a mirror, a metal riveted sheet for an industrial theme, or even a seascape. All you need is your imagination and a few art supplies.
In conclusion
The best thing you can do with your old cardboard is to keep it, make great things, and give them away to family and friends or turn it into a budding art and craft business. Don’t think of the humble cardboard box as a box anymore. Unlock your inner child and turn it into a castle, a clock, a lamp, a dungeon, or a diorama. The only limits are what you impose on yourself!
Looking to make money from crafts?
Click here to learn how with our step-by-step guide showing you everything you need to know.
