Cardboard boxes tend to build up quickly. Moves, deliveries, office cleanouts, and renovations all leave behind stacks of boxes that take up space fast. And sure, your cat may love popping a squat in a box that’s just barely big enough for them, but having empty boxes lying around is typically a nuisance for the rest of us.

If you’re searching for where to throw away cardboard boxes near you, the answer depends on how many boxes you have and what services are available in your city.

Here are the most common cardboard disposal options, followed by examples from major U.S. cities (including ZTERS’ own home base of Houston) and answers to frequently asked questions about throwing away boxes.

Can Cardboard Boxes Be Thrown Away?

In most areas, cardboard should be recycled rather than placed in the trash. Corrugated cardboard is widely accepted by municipal recycling programs and recycling centers. Sending recyclable cardboard to a landfill wastes usable material and adds unnecessary volume to solid waste.

Don’t commit some of the most common recycling mistakes! Before disposal, cardboard should be:

• Clean and dry
• Free from food residue, grease, or liquids
• Broken down flat
  

Once prepared, you can choose from several cardboard disposal methods.

Curbside Cardboard Recycling

Curbside recycling works well for households with a manageable amount of cardboard.

The City of Houston accepts flattened corrugated cardboard in residential recycling carts. Boxes must fit inside the cart with the lid closed. Oversized boxes usually need to be cut down or taken to a recycling center.

Curbside recycling is ideal for:

• Regular household deliveries
• Smaller post-move cleanups
• Ongoing recycling needs
  

Apartment residents should check with property management to confirm recycling access.

Recycling Centers and Drop-Off Locations

When cardboard volume exceeds what curbside carts can handle, recycling centers offer a practical solution.

Houston operates multiple neighborhood recycling centers where residents can drop off cardboard. These centers accept flattened boxes and are designed for bulk recyclables that don’t fit in residential carts.

This option works well for:

• Full household moves
• Garage or storage unit cleanouts
• Large furniture or appliance deliveries

Municipal Cardboard Disposal: Examples

While services vary by municipality, most large cities follow similar cardboard recycling practices.

Dallas, TX

Dallas residents can recycle cardboard through curbside collection or drop it off at city recycling centers. Boxes must be flattened and kept free of food residue.

Austin, TX

Austin offers curbside recycling for cardboard and operates reuse and recycling centers that accept bulk cardboard from residents.

San Antonio, TX

San Antonio’s residential recycling program accepts corrugated cardboard, with additional drop-off locations available for larger quantities.

Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix provides curbside cardboard recycling and public recycling stations for residents with excess materials.

Atlanta, GA

Atlanta residents can recycle cardboard through curbside pickup or designated recycling centers throughout the metro area.

If you’re unsure about local rules for disposing of cardboard near you, checking your city’s solid waste or recycling department website is the fastest way to confirm accepted materials.

Reusing or Donating Cardboard Boxes In Your Area

Before recycling, reuse is often an option. Many boxes are still sturdy enough for storage or another move. Reuse helps extend the life of the material and reduces demand for new cardboard.

Consider listing empty boxes on Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, OfferUp, Buy Nothing groups, or other online platforms. Many people sell them or choose to give them away for free. You can also look into offering moving boxes in good condition to small businesses, nonprofits, or schools.

The next time you’re moving, you’ll be grateful for people who choose to go the donation route!

Professional Cardboard Removal Services

For large volumes of cardboard, professional removal can simplify cleanup. This is common for businesses, retail locations, offices, construction sites, and households after major moves.

ZTERS Can Help With Junk Removal

Got tons of cardboard boxes (and other unwanted items) and want to skip tons of back-and-forth to and from the dump? ZTERS can help!

ZTERS coordinates junk removal and bulk waste services nationwide. Instead of making multiple trips to recycling centers, ZTERS arranges pickup and ensures cardboard is handled responsibly as part of a broader waste solution.

Professional removal is useful for commercial cleanouts, tight timelines, as well as projects involving multiple waste streams. We provide insured, professional junk removal services that you can rely on. 

If you think a roll-off dumpster rental might also do the trick, check out our blog post on dumpster rental vs. junk removal to determine which is a better fit for your needs.

Cardboard Disposal FAQs

Check out more FAQs answered by the American Forest & Paper Association here.

Can wet cardboard be recycled?

Wet cardboard is harder to recycle and may be rejected by recycling facilities. If cardboard becomes soaked or contaminated with food or oil, it often needs to be disposed of as trash.

Are pizza boxes recyclable?

Clean pizza boxes may be recyclable, depending on local guidelines. However, exercise caution when it comes to boxes with an excess of grease, cheese, or food residue. While some municipalities may have no problem recycling these, they could contaminate recyclables in other cases.

Do cardboard boxes need to be flattened?

Yes. Flattening cardboard saves space in recycling carts and helps processing facilities handle materials more efficiently.

Can cardboard be recycled with tape or labels?

Small amounts of tape and labels are typically acceptable. You should remove plastic wrap, foam, or packing materials before recycling.

Throw Away Those Cardboard Boxes Responsibly

Cardboard boxes are one of the most recyclable materials generated by homes and businesses. Most cities offer curbside recycling, drop-off centers, or bulk removal options to keep cardboard out of landfills. Do your part by figuring out which option is the most eco-friendly and aligns with your city’s regulations. It only takes minutes!

If you’re facing a large cleanup or ongoing cardboard disposal needs, ZTERS can help manage junk removal efficiently while keeping projects on track. Reach out to learn more!