For sustainability reasons, it is ideal to reuse a used cardboard box. This is often done automatically when goods from online shopping are delivered in a box, and the customer can reuse the undamaged box to send their own items – or repurpose the packaging entirely.

The good thing about a cardboard box is that it can also be recycled once it is no longer possible to reuse it. Through the recycling process, it serves a new purpose – which ultimately also leads to it being used again. But how often can a cardboard box be reused and for what?

Reusing Used Boxes – Benefits

When you reuse a used cardboard box, you help reduce waste. Additionally, fewer resources are used to produce new boxes.

Those who reuse boxes also save money, as they do not have to buy new packaging for every occasion. Especially as a business owner, you benefit from minimizing shipping costs and should reuse used boxes as often as possible.

This has the added advantage for companies of setting an example for environmental protection. You show customers and the public that you value sustainability and practice it.

When Can Boxes and Shipping Boxes Be Reused?

You can reuse boxes for various purposes and even shipping boxes. However, it is not always worthwhile and mainly depends on the condition of the packaging.

Just as you would not reuse a used pizza box because it has grease and food residues, you cannot reuse other boxes if they are not completely intact. Always ensure that the boxes are undamaged, have no holes, and are still robust and stable. They should also be free of dirt if you are reusing them as shipping boxes to send new goods to customers.

And even if you cannot reuse your boxes, you can sell them to dealers who recycle used boxes, earning money and protecting the environment.

How Often Can You Reuse a Box?

There is a rough guideline that a box can be reused at most two or three times. However, you should assess this on a case-by-case basis and consider the condition of the box. If it is still stable and intact, you can reuse the box.

High-quality boxes and those made from sturdy corrugated cardboard last longer than cheap boxes. Apart from that, it also matters how the box was handled during transport. If it is neither damaged nor dirty, you can safely reuse it.

FAQ

Are there any disadvantages to reusing boxes?

It depends on the circumstances. Companies often have storage issues, as used boxes are harder to store compared to flat and not yet "assembled" boxes. Additionally, the boxes may not be the right size for their products, and clearly used boxes are not suitable for expensive new goods or hygiene products.

What else can boxes be reused for besides shipping?

As a private individual, you have various options depending on the size of the box. Perhaps you want to store your winter/summer clothes in the attic or pack and store rarely used items dust-free? Or you can give the boxes to children for playing, crafting, or painting.

Where to dispose of a box if it cannot be reused?

Individuals can dispose of boxes through the household waste recycling system. Companies dispose of large quantities via containers. However, companies have the option to give large quantities to special disposal companies that buy, collect, shred, and repurpose boxes and cardboard. This way, you can receive money instead of paying for expensive disposal.