Box Buying Service
We Buy Your Used Boxes
Sitting on a warehouse full of surplus corrugated? Do not send it to the recycler for pennies. Seattle Boxes pays fair market value for used boxes, gaylords, and OCC bales — with free pickup across the greater Seattle area and same-week payment.
What We Purchase
We Buy All Types of Corrugated Material
From pristine once-used shipping boxes to baled OCC from your compactor — if it is corrugated, we want it. Here is what we accept.
Corrugated Boxes
Single-wall, double-wall, and triple-wall corrugated shipping boxes of all standard and custom sizes. RSC, FOL, HSC, and die-cut styles accepted.
Gaylord Boxes
Full-size and half-size gaylord containers, including 4-wall and 5-wall constructions. We pay premium rates for clean, structurally sound gaylords with intact flaps.
Mixed Corrugated Loads
Unsorted corrugated material from warehouse cleanouts, overstock liquidation, or facility moves. We sort and grade on-site or at our processing facility — you do not need to pre-sort.
OCC Bales
Pre-baled old corrugated containers (OCC) from your baler operations. We accept standard mill-size bales and provide competitive pricing tied to current OCC market indices.
Specialty & Custom Boxes
Printed, branded, die-cut, and specialty corrugated packaging. While reuse options may be limited for heavily branded boxes, we offer recycling-grade pricing with full processing.
What We Do Not Buy
To keep our operations focused and our quality standards high, there are a few materials we cannot accept. If you are unsure whether your material qualifies, contact us — we would rather assess it than have you guess.
- Plastic totes, bins, or non-corrugated containers
- Styrofoam, bubble wrap, or plastic packaging materials
- Paper bags, newsprint, or office paper (standalone loads)
- Corrugated contaminated with hazardous chemicals or biohazards
- Material with active mold or heavy pest damage requiring remediation
- Wax-coated corrugated in quantities under 500 lbs (accepted above that threshold)
Even if your material falls into these categories, we may be able to refer you to a partner processor who handles non-corrugated recyclables.
Seller Requirements Checklist
Before scheduling your first pickup, confirm that the following requirements are met. This ensures a smooth, efficient collection process.
- Material is corrugated cardboard (not plastic, foam, or paper)
- Minimum quantity met: 200 boxes, 20 gaylords, or 5 OCC bales for free pickup
- Material is accessible by truck at your location (dock, ground level, or forklift-accessible)
- Boxes are reasonably dry and free of hazardous contamination
- Location is within our service area (Bellingham to Olympia, east to Ellensburg)
- Contact person available during the scheduled pickup window
- Forklift or pallet jack available if material is palletized (or we can bring equipment)
- Loading area clear of obstructions for safe truck access
Condition Requirements
We Accept Every Condition
Unlike recycling centers that pay a flat commodity rate regardless of condition, we grade your boxes and pay accordingly. Better condition means a better price — but we buy every grade.
Grade A — Like New
HighestBoxes used once or not at all, with no tears, stains, crushing, or moisture damage. Labels and tape removed or minimal. Highest payout tier.
Grade B — Good
StandardBoxes with minor wear — light scuffing, small tape residue, or minor label remnants. Structurally sound with no soft spots. Standard payout tier.
Grade C — Fair
ReducedBoxes with visible wear, some crushing, or moderate tape and label coverage. May have minor tears that do not compromise structural integrity. Reduced payout tier.
Recycling Grade
Recycling RateBoxes that are too damaged for resale or reuse — heavy moisture damage, mold, oil contamination, or severe structural failure. We still buy these at recycling-grade pricing.
Assessment Details
How We Grade Your Boxes
Our buyers evaluate 12 specific criteria when grading your corrugated material. Understanding these factors helps you maximize your payout by knowing what impacts grade assignment the most.
| Criterion | What We Evaluate | Impact on Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Integrity | Walls, flaps, and seams must support load without buckling. Compression-tested for stacking capacity. | Primary grading factor |
| Moisture Damage | Any softness, warping, or delamination from water exposure. Mild surface staining is acceptable for Grade B. | Downgrades 1-2 grades |
| Tears & Punctures | Tears under 2 inches on non-structural panels may qualify for Grade B. Larger tears drop to Grade C or recycling. | Downgrades 1-3 grades |
| Tape & Label Coverage | Under 10% surface coverage is Grade A eligible. 10-30% is Grade B. Over 30% is Grade C. Full coverage is recycling grade. | Downgrades 0-2 grades |
| Print & Branding | Unprinted kraft boxes grade highest. Light generic printing is Grade A/B. Heavy branded printing limits reuse to Grade C or recycling. | Downgrades 0-2 grades |
| Odor & Contamination | Boxes must be free of food residue, chemicals, and strong odors. Mild cardboard smell is acceptable. Food or chemical contamination drops to recycling. | Downgrades to recycling |
| Flap Condition | All four flaps intact and foldable. Missing or severely damaged flaps reduce grade. One missing flap may still qualify for Grade C. | Downgrades 1-2 grades |
| Dust & Debris | Light surface dust is normal. Heavy dust, sawdust, or embedded debris requires cleaning before grading. Excessive contamination drops grade. | Downgrades 0-1 grades |
| Staining | Ink stains, grease marks, water rings, and discoloration are evaluated by severity and location. Surface stains on exterior only may maintain Grade B. | Downgrades 0-2 grades |
| Age & Fiber Quality | Corrugated that has been stored for extended periods may have degraded fiber strength. We test edge crush resistance on older material. | Downgrades 0-1 grades |
| Size Consistency | Uniform loads of a single size grade higher than mixed-size loads because they are easier to resell in bulk. | Affects pricing per unit |
| Wall Type & Weight | Double-wall and triple-wall boxes command higher per-unit prices than single-wall regardless of condition grade. | Pricing multiplier |
How It Works
Four Steps to Get Paid
Contact Us
Fill out our form, call, or email with details about your surplus boxes — type, approximate quantity, condition, and location. Photos are helpful but not required.
We Evaluate
Our buyer reviews your submission and provides a preliminary quote within 24 hours. For large or mixed loads, we may schedule an on-site assessment at no cost.
We Pick Up
We dispatch our fleet to your dock, warehouse, or storage location on a day and time that works for you. Our crew handles all loading — your team does not need to lift a finger.
We Pay You
After final grading and count at our facility, payment is issued within 5 business days via check or direct deposit. No hidden fees, no deductions — the price we quote is the price we pay.
Timeline
From First Contact to Payment in Hand
Most transactions complete within 7-10 business days from initial inquiry to payment. Here is a typical timeline for a standard pickup.
Expedited timelines are available for urgent cleanouts and large-volume pickups. For recurring sellers on established routes, the process compresses to 3-5 days from pickup to payment because preliminary grading is already established.
Pricing
What Determines Your Payout
We price transparently based on six key factors. Our goal is to pay you the maximum the market supports while maintaining margins that let us keep operating sustainably.
Box Condition
Grade A commands 3-5x the price of recycling-grade material.
Flute & Wall Type
Double-wall and heavy-duty constructions are worth more per unit than single-wall.
Size Consistency
Uniform loads of standard sizes are easier to resell and command better pricing.
Volume
Larger quantities receive better per-unit pricing. Truckload volumes unlock our best rates.
Market Conditions
OCC and used-box prices fluctuate with regional demand and virgin fiber costs.
Cleanliness
Boxes free of tape, labels, staples, and contaminants grade higher and sell faster.
Volume Pricing
Payout Ranges by Volume Tier
Larger quantities unlock better per-unit pricing. These ranges reflect Grade A through Grade C material — actual payouts depend on the specific condition mix of your load. Recycling-grade material is priced separately at current OCC market rates.
| Volume | Per Unit Range | Per Pallet Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200-499 boxes | $0.15 - $0.60 | $45 - $180 | Minimum for free pickup. Per-unit price varies by grade and size. |
| 500-999 boxes | $0.20 - $0.70 | $60 - $210 | Standard volume tier. Begins to unlock better per-unit pricing. |
| 1,000-2,499 boxes | $0.25 - $0.80 | $75 - $240 | Preferred volume. Dedicated pickup scheduling available. |
| 2,500-4,999 boxes | $0.30 - $0.90 | $90 - $270 | High-volume pricing with priority service. |
| 5,000+ boxes | $0.35 - $1.00+ | $105 - $300+ | Truckload pricing. Custom rates negotiated per account. |
| OCC Bales (per ton) | $60 - $120/ton | N/A | Tied to regional OCC index. Updated monthly. |
| Gaylords (per unit) | $2.00 - $8.00 | N/A | 4-wall and 5-wall priced separately. Condition is primary factor. |
These are representative ranges based on current market conditions. Actual quotes are customized to your specific material. All prices are subject to on-site or facility grading confirmation. We never reduce a quoted price after pickup without explanation and your agreement.
Payment
Payment Terms & Methods
We believe sellers should get paid quickly and without hassle. Choose the payment method that works best for your business.
Company Check
Mailed within 5 business days of final grading
Standard payment method for first-time sellers.
Direct Deposit (ACH)
Deposited within 5 business days of final grading
Requires one-time bank verification. Fastest option for recurring sellers.
Wire Transfer
Same day as grading completion
Available for transactions over $5,000. Wire fees may apply.
Credit Against Purchase
Applied immediately to your next box purchase
Ideal for businesses that both sell and buy boxes from us. Simplifies accounting.
Minimum Quantities
To keep pickup logistics efficient, we have the following minimums for free on-site collection:
- Standard boxes: Minimum 200 units or one full pallet.
- Gaylord boxes: Minimum 20 units.
- OCC bales: Minimum 5 bales or 2,500 lbs.
- Mixed loads: Minimum one full pallet or equivalent loose volume.
Have smaller quantities? You can drop off at our facility during business hours at no charge.
Pickup Logistics
Our pickup service is designed to be zero-effort for your team. Here is what to expect on pickup day:
- Arrival window: 2-hour window with 30-minute advance call from driver.
- Loading: Our crew handles all loading. We bring hand trucks, dollies, and can bring a forklift for palletized loads.
- Documentation: Pickup receipt signed on-site with estimated count and preliminary grade assessment.
- Cleanup: We leave your staging area clean. Any loose material or debris from loading is collected by our crew.
- Vehicles: We match truck size to your volume — 16-ft box trucks up to 53-ft trailers depending on quantity.
Environmental Impact
Selling vs. Trashing: The Numbers
When you sell your surplus boxes to Seattle Boxes instead of sending them to landfill or even recycling, the environmental impact is measurable and significant.
1 gallon
Water saved per box reused vs. recycled and remanufactured
0.5 kWh
Energy saved per reused box vs. new production cycle
75%
Lower carbon footprint for reused vs. newly manufactured corrugated
3-7x
Number of reuse cycles before corrugated fiber requires recycling
The EPA estimates that corrugated cardboard accounts for nearly 32% of municipal solid waste by volume. By selling your surplus to us for reuse, you directly reduce this waste stream while earning revenue instead of paying disposal fees. We provide sustainability documentation for every transaction that you can use in corporate ESG reporting, B Corp applications, and customer-facing sustainability claims.
Comparison
Seattle Boxes vs. Recycling Center
Many businesses default to sending surplus corrugated to a recycling center because they do not realize there is a better option. Here is a direct comparison.
| Factor | Seattle Boxes | Typical Recycling Center |
|---|---|---|
| Payout (per box) | $0.15 - $1.00+ depending on grade | $0.01 - $0.04 (OCC commodity rate) |
| Pickup Service | Free for qualifying volumes, crew handles loading | Often requires you to deliver to their facility |
| Payment Speed | Within 5 business days | 15-30 days typical, sometimes longer |
| Grading Transparency | Detailed grading report with per-grade pricing | Flat commodity rate regardless of condition |
| Environmental Outcome | Reuse first, recycle only as last resort | All material pulped regardless of condition |
| Sustainability Docs | Recycling certificates, diversion reports, ESG data | Basic weight receipt only |
Seller FAQ
Common Questions from Sellers
How do I know if my boxes are worth selling vs. recycling?
If your boxes are structurally sound with no moisture damage, they are almost certainly worth more as reuse-grade material than as OCC recycling feedstock. Even Grade C boxes with visible wear earn 2-3x recycling rates. Only boxes with severe structural failure, mold, or heavy contamination default to recycling-grade pricing — and even then, we pay competitive recycling rates. When in doubt, contact us with photos and we will give you an honest assessment within 24 hours.
Do I need to remove tape and labels before selling?
No. While cleaner boxes grade higher and earn better pricing, we do not require you to prep material before pickup. Our processing team handles tape and label removal as part of our reconditioning workflow. That said, if your team has downtime and can flatten boxes and remove obvious tape, the improved grading will reflect in a higher payout.
What if my boxes are all different sizes?
We buy mixed-size loads without issue. However, uniform loads of a single size command better per-unit pricing because they are easier to resell in bulk. If you have the ability to separate your surplus by size, the added effort will result in a meaningfully higher payout. If not, we handle all sorting at our facility.
Can I sell printed or branded boxes?
Yes. Lightly printed boxes (generic handling instructions, size markings) grade normally. Heavily branded boxes with company logos or product imagery are harder to resell for reuse, so they typically grade at C or recycling level depending on structural condition. Our reprocessing team can sometimes overprint or cover branding to restore reuse value.
How often can I sell to you?
As often as you generate surplus. Many of our clients set up recurring weekly or bi-weekly pickups that become part of their standard operations. Recurring sellers receive priority scheduling, a dedicated account representative, and often better per-unit pricing due to volume commitments. There is no contract required — you can sell to us on a one-time or ongoing basis.
What if I have fewer than 200 boxes?
For quantities below our free pickup minimum, you are welcome to drop off material at our facility during business hours (Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM) at no charge. We grade and pay for drop-off material the same as pickup material. Alternatively, you can accumulate material until you reach the 200-box threshold and schedule a pickup at that point.
Do you provide any documentation for my records?
Yes. Every transaction includes a pickup receipt, grading report, and payment statement. For businesses that need sustainability documentation, we provide recycling certificates and diversion reports that show the environmental impact of your material entering our reuse stream instead of a landfill. These reports are formatted for ESG disclosures and corporate sustainability programs.
Is there a long-term contract required?
No. You can sell to us on a completely ad-hoc basis with no commitment. However, we do offer optional 6-month and 12-month agreements for recurring sellers that lock in pricing floors, guarantee pickup schedules, and provide priority service. Contract sellers receive our best per-unit rates.
Got Boxes? Get Paid.
Contact us today with details about your surplus corrugated and receive a quote within 24 hours. Free pickup, fast payment, zero hassle.
Get a Quote