Every ton of recycled cardboard saves 17 treesReusing one box saves 3.5 kWh of energyCardboard can be recycled up to 7 timesWe have diverted over 2 million boxes from landfillsUsed boxes reduce carbon emissions by up to 60%One tree produces approximately 100 boxesPortland Boxes: 100% committed to zero-waste operationsChoosing used boxes saves up to 70% compared to newEvery ton of recycled cardboard saves 17 treesReusing one box saves 3.5 kWh of energyCardboard can be recycled up to 7 timesWe have diverted over 2 million boxes from landfillsUsed boxes reduce carbon emissions by up to 60%One tree produces approximately 100 boxesPortland Boxes: 100% committed to zero-waste operationsChoosing used boxes saves up to 70% compared to new
Portland Boxes
Sell Boxes

Turn Your Used Boxes Into Cash

Do not throw away money. Your surplus boxes have value, and we make it effortless to turn them into revenue while keeping materials in the circular economy.

Get a Free QuoteWe respond within 24h

Free, no obligation

Selling Is Simple

Three easy steps from surplus to cash. We handle the heavy lifting -- literally.

Step 1

Request a Quote

Submit your box details through our form or give us a call. Include approximate quantities, sizes, and condition. We provide quotes within 1 hour during business hours.

Step 2

Free Pickup

Accept our offer and we schedule pickup at your convenience. Our team arrives with our own trucks and labor -- you do not lift a finger. We handle loading and transportation.

Step 3

Get Paid

Receive payment within 48 hours of pickup via check, direct deposit, or credit toward future box purchases. Transparent pricing with no hidden deductions.

What Boxes We Accept

We accept virtually all corrugated boxes. Here is how we grade them and what you can expect in return.

A Grade -- Like New

Clean, undamaged, minimal printing. Single-use boxes with no wear.

Highest payout

B Grade -- Good Condition

Minor wear, small marks or tape residue. Structurally sound with intact flaps.

Standard payout

C Grade -- Fair Condition

Moderate wear, some printing, minor dents. Still usable after refurbishment.

Reduced payout

Recycling Only

Heavily damaged, wet, or contaminated. Not suitable for reuse but fully recyclable.

Recycling credit

Not sure about your boxes? Send us photos and we will provide an instant estimate. We never turn away corrugated -- boxes that cannot be resold are responsibly recycled.

Transparent Pricing

We believe in fair, transparent pricing. Multiple factors determine your payout, and we are always happy to explain exactly how we arrive at our offer. No hidden fees, no surprises.

Regular Seller Program

Businesses with recurring box surplus qualify for our Regular Seller Program. Enjoy priority scheduling, premium rates, and a dedicated account representative. Most regular sellers see 15-25% higher payouts.

Box Size

Larger boxes generally command higher individual prices

Condition

Better condition equals higher per-box rates

Quantity

Bulk lots of 100+ boxes receive premium pricing

Wall Type

Double and triple-wall boxes are valued higher than single-wall

Consistency

Uniform lots of same-size boxes get bonus pricing

Frequency

Regular sellers get preferred rates and priority pickup scheduling

The Complete Selling Process

From first contact to payment in hand, here is exactly how selling your boxes works -- step by step, with no surprises.

01

Step 1: Initial Contact and Estimate

Reach out by email, or our online form. Share the approximate number of boxes, general sizes, and their condition. Photos are helpful but not required. Within 1 business hour, we provide a preliminary estimate so you know what to expect before committing.

02

Step 2: On-Site Assessment (for large lots)

For lots of 200+ boxes or ongoing seller relationships, we send a team member to your location for a free on-site assessment. They evaluate the boxes in person, count quantities, and provide a firm written offer on the spot. For smaller lots, we finalize pricing based on photos or your description.

03

Step 3: Accept the Offer

Review our written offer, which breaks down pricing by box grade, size, and quantity. There are no hidden fees or deductions -- the price quoted is the price you receive. Once you accept, we lock in the offer and schedule pickup at your convenience.

04

Step 4: Scheduled Pickup

Our truck and crew arrive at the agreed time. We bring all necessary equipment -- dollies, pallet jacks, and blankets. Our team handles all loading, so your staff does not need to assist. Typical pickups take 30-60 minutes depending on volume. We can work around your business hours to minimize disruption.

05

Step 5: Sorting and Final Count

At our facility, boxes are sorted by grade, counted, and compared against the initial estimate. If the final count differs from the estimate (in either direction), we adjust payment accordingly and provide a transparent breakdown of the final tally.

06

Step 6: Payment

Payment is issued within 48 hours of pickup. Choose from direct deposit (ACH), company check, or credit toward future box purchases. Regular sellers can opt for weekly or monthly consolidated payments to reduce accounting overhead.

What We Buy -- A Comprehensive List

If it is corrugated cardboard, we are interested. Here is a detailed look at the types of boxes and materials we purchase.

Standard Shipping Boxes

  • RSC (Regular Slotted Containers)
  • HSC (Half Slotted Containers)
  • FOL (Full Overlap)
  • Die-cut mailers
  • Book wraps and flat mailers

Moving and Storage Boxes

  • Small moving boxes (1.5 cu ft)
  • Medium moving boxes (3 cu ft)
  • Large moving boxes (4.5 cu ft)
  • Extra-large moving boxes (6+ cu ft)
  • Wardrobe boxes with bars

Specialty Boxes

  • Wine shippers (6 and 12 bottle)
  • Dish pack kits with dividers
  • Mirror and picture boxes
  • TV and flat panel boxes
  • Lamp boxes and irregular shapes

Industrial Boxes

  • Gaylord / bulk containers
  • Double-wall heavy-duty cartons
  • Triple-wall containers
  • Octagonal bins
  • Pallet wraps and cap trays

E-commerce Packaging

  • Branded subscription boxes
  • Product display boxes
  • Insert and partition sets
  • Cushioned mailer boxes
  • Multi-depth adjustable cartons

Corrugated Materials

  • Corrugated sheets and pads
  • Layer pads and tier sheets
  • Die-cut inserts and dividers
  • Corrugated rolls
  • Edge and corner protectors

Do not see your box type listed? Contact us anyway -- we buy virtually all corrugated products and can quote custom or unusual items on a case-by-case basis.

Pickup Schedule Options

We flex to your schedule, not the other way around. Choose the pickup frequency that matches your box generation rate.

As needed

One-Time Pickup

Perfect for clearing out a warehouse, moving offices, or seasonal cleanups. Schedule a single pickup whenever you accumulate enough boxes to make it worthwhile. No ongoing commitment required.

Best for: Occasional sellers
Every week

Weekly Pickup

Ideal for businesses that generate boxes continuously. We come the same day and time each week so your loading dock stays clear and your team knows the schedule in advance.

Best for: High-volume sellers
Every 2 weeks

Bi-Weekly Pickup

A great middle ground for businesses that accumulate a moderate volume of boxes. Keeps your space tidy without the frequency (and administrative overhead) of weekly pickups.

Best for: Medium-volume sellers
Once per month

Monthly Pickup

Suitable for smaller operations or businesses with ample staging space. We coordinate a consistent monthly date so you can plan around it and maximize each pickup load.

Best for: Low-volume sellers

Volume Bonuses

The more boxes you sell, the more you earn per box. Our volume bonus structure rewards sellers who bring consistent, larger quantities.

Monthly VolumeBonus RateAdditional Perks
Under 100 boxesBase rateFree pickup on scheduled routes
100 - 500 boxes+10% bonusPriority pickup scheduling
500 - 2,000 boxes+20% bonusDedicated account rep + priority scheduling
2,000+ boxes+30% bonusCustom negotiated rates + all premium perks

Volume bonuses are calculated based on trailing 30-day totals and applied automatically. Bonuses stack with condition-based pricing -- high-volume sellers of Grade A boxes earn the highest per-unit rates.

Preparing Your Boxes for Sale

A little preparation can significantly increase your payout. Follow these guidelines to maximize the value of your boxes.

01

Flatten boxes if possible

Flat boxes are easier for our team to handle, take up less space on the truck, and arrive at our facility in better condition. If you cannot flatten them, that is okay -- we handle it at no penalty.

02

Remove excess tape and labels

While we remove tape and labels during refurbishment, boxes with clean surfaces command higher grades and higher payouts. Peel off shipping labels and loose tape where convenient.

03

Keep boxes dry

Moisture is the number one downgrade factor. Store boxes indoors or under cover until pickup. Wet or damp boxes may be downgraded to recycling-only, significantly reducing their value.

04

Sort by size when practical

Uniform lots of same-size boxes earn a consistency bonus of 5-10%. If you can group boxes by size or type, it speeds up our assessment and increases your payout.

05

Stage near your loading dock

Having boxes accessible and ready to load reduces pickup time and helps our crew work efficiently. If staging space is limited, just let us know and we will work with whatever access you have.

06

Remove any non-cardboard materials

Take out styrofoam, bubble wrap, plastic bags, and other non-corrugated materials. Boxes with packing material inside may be downgraded or require additional sorting at our facility.

Payment Process

We pay fast, we pay fair, and we give you choices.

Within 48 hours

Direct Deposit (ACH)

The fastest option. Funds are deposited directly into your business checking account within 2 business days of pickup. Set up ACH once and every future payment arrives automatically.

Mailed within 48 hours

Company Check

A physical check is mailed within 2 business days of pickup. Typically arrives 3-5 business days after mailing. Available for businesses that prefer paper records.

Instant

Purchase Credit

Apply your earnings as credit toward future box purchases from Portland Boxes. Credits are applied instantly and never expire. A popular option for businesses that both buy and sell boxes with us -- and credits earn an extra 5% bonus.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling

Answers to the most common questions from businesses looking to sell their boxes.

Is there a minimum quantity to sell?
No strict minimum, but pickups are most cost-effective with 50+ boxes. For smaller quantities, you are welcome to drop boxes off at our Portland warehouse during business hours. For pickups of fewer than 50 boxes, we may batch your pickup with other nearby stops to make the route efficient.
Do you buy boxes with printing on them?
Yes. Branded or printed boxes are accepted and valued based on their structural condition. Light printing typically does not affect the grade. Heavily printed boxes (full-color, all sides) may receive a slightly lower rate since they are harder to resell, but they are always accepted for recycling or refurbishment.
How do you determine the price per box?
Price is based on six factors: size (larger boxes are worth more individually), condition grade (A, B, C, or recycling-only), wall type (double and triple wall command premiums), quantity (volume bonuses apply), consistency (uniform lots of same-size boxes earn a bonus), and selling frequency (regular sellers get preferred rates). We provide a transparent breakdown with every offer.
Can I sell boxes that are taped shut or still contain products?
We prefer boxes to be empty and flattened when practical, but we can handle taped boxes and will open and flatten them at our facility. If boxes still contain products or packing materials, please let us know in advance so our crew comes prepared. Any non-cardboard contents will be returned to you or disposed of per your instructions.
How quickly can you pick up my boxes?
Standard pickups are scheduled within 2-3 business days of accepting an offer. For urgent situations (warehouse clearance, moving, lease deadlines), we offer next-day and sometimes same-day emergency pickups. Emergency pickups may carry a small scheduling fee for non-regular sellers.
Do you provide any documentation for tax or accounting purposes?
Yes. Every transaction generates a detailed receipt showing quantities by grade, per-unit pricing, total payment, and the date of pickup. For regular sellers, we provide monthly and annual summaries. These documents are also available through our online seller portal at any time.
What happens to boxes that are too damaged to resell?
Boxes that cannot be resold or refurbished are responsibly recycled through our zero-landfill recycling program. We send damaged material to certified Pacific Northwest mills where it becomes new paper products. You still receive a recycling credit for these boxes, though at a lower rate than resalable grades.

Your Boxes Get a Second Life

When you sell your boxes to Portland Boxes, you are not just clearing warehouse space and earning money -- you are actively participating in the circular economy. Each box that gets reused instead of recycled or trashed saves significantly more energy and resources. Reuse is always better than recycling, and recycling is always better than landfill.

Since 2019, our sellers have diverted over 2 million boxes from the waste stream, preventing an estimated 1,000 tons of CO2 emissions. Your surplus is someone else's perfect packaging.

Ready to Sell Your Boxes?

Get a free quote in under an hour. We pick up, we pay, you profit -- and the planet wins.

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