Earn Extra Cash By Recycling Used Gaylord Boxes

Complete Guide to Selling Your Gaylord Boxes

A company can easily turn their waste in a profit by reselling their used gaylord boxes. Many companies find themselves paying for removal or "recycling" of their old boxes. The boxes are typically in high demand and one of the more valuable types of industrial packaging.

Types of Gaylord Boxes

Wall Thickness

2-Wall: Most common, good for general use
3-Wall: Stronger, used for heavy materials
4-Wall: Heavy-duty industrial use
5-Wall: Maximum strength, specialty applications

Common Sizes

Standard Size:

48" x 40" x 36" (most common)
48" x 40" x 48" (tall version)

Specialty Sizes:

42" x 42" x 48"
44" x 44" x 48"
36" x 36" x 36" (compact)

Box Components

Top cap (lid)
Bottom tray/pallet
Corner posts (if included)
Side walls

Preparing Boxes for Sale

Basic Preparation

Remove all old labels and debris

Flatten boxes properly:

Remove any staples
Fold along original creases
Keep corners intact
Stack similar sizes together

Grading System

Grade A:

No tears or water damage
All flaps intact
Clean, no stains
Original shape maintained

Grade B:

Minor tears (under 2")
Slight staining
All structurally sound
Usable condition

Grade C:

Visible wear
Repairable damage
Structurally stable
Suitable for single use

Banding and Palletizing

Equipment Needed

Banding machine or manual banding tool
Plastic or steel banding (⅝" or ¾" recommended)
Corner boards
Pallet jack
Forklift
Safety gloves
Safety glasses
Box cutter

Banding Process

Stack Preparation:

Place clean pallet (48" x 40" standard)
Stack 25-50 flattened boxes per pallet
Align corners precisely
Use corner boards on all four corners

Banding Technique:

Minimum 2 bands per stack
Band placement:
- First band: 12" from bottom
- Second band: 12" from top
Tension properly but don't crush
Secure clips/seals properly

Stack Height:

Maximum 8' for safety
Usually 25-50 boxes per pallet
Consider truck height (typically 108")

Loading and Shipping

Truck Loading Specs

Standard 53' trailer capacity: 550-600 flattened boxes
Weight considerations:
- Full pallet weight: ~500-750 lbs
- Total load weight: ~15,000 lbs

Loading Pattern

Standard Pattern:

Leave no gaps between pallets
Secure with load straps every 6-8'

Loading Steps:

Inspect trailer floor condition
Start from front (nose)
Load heaviest pallets first
Use load bars or straps
Fill gaps with airbags if needed

Safety Requirements

Maximum stack height: 8 feet
Secure load every 6-8 feet
Use corner protectors
Check trailer cleanliness
Verify weight distribution

Storage Requirements

Indoor Storage

Clean, dry area
Level concrete floor
Good ventilation
Away from heat sources
Easy forklift access

Outdoor Storage (Temporary Only)

Cover with waterproof tarp
Elevate on pallets
Good drainage area
Regular inspection
Limited exposure time

Shipping Documentation

Required Paperwork

Bill of Lading needs:

Box count
Grade of boxes
Total pallets
Weight estimate
Box sizes included

Additional Documentation:

Packing list
Quality certification (if required)
Photos of load (recommended)

Quick Loading Calculator

Standard Truck Load

Single size boxes (48x40x36):
- 25 boxes per pallet
- 22 pallets per truck
- Total: 550 boxes

Mixed Load

Adjust based on box size:
- Tall boxes (48"): 20 per pallet
- Standard boxes (36"): 25 per pallet
- Short boxes (24"): 30 per pallet

Who to Sell Gaylord Boxes To

Recycling Companies

Plastic and scrap metal recyclers form the backbone of the Gaylord box market. These facilities constantly need boxes for storing and shipping their materials. They're practical buyers who will accept boxes in varying conditions, from nearly new to moderately worn. Most recyclers maintain regular pickup schedules and often become long-term customers, though they typically pay middle-range prices of $8-12 per box.

Manufacturing Facilities

Manufacturers make excellent customers as they need regular supplies of consistent-sized boxes. They often enter into ongoing purchase agreements, ensuring steady income from your excess boxes. While they may accept boxes with minor wear, they generally prefer better conditions. Many manufacturers will pay premium prices of $10-20 nper box for reliable, clean stock that meets their specifications.

Agricultural Businesses

The agricultural sector needs clean, food-grade boxes for produce and grain storage. Their demand typically follows seasonal patterns, with peak needs during harvest times. They're particular about box condition and cleanliness, but willing to pay top dollar ($20-30) for boxes that meet their standards. Building relationships with local agricultural businesses can lead to predictable seasonal sales.

Online Marketplaces

Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and industrial equipment sites offer ways to reach local buyers directly. When listing online, include clear photos and specify important details like dimensions, wall thickness, and condition. While online sales can bring higher prices ($30-60 per box), they require more effort in managing inquiries and coordinating individual pickups. This works best when you have storage space and can accommodate smaller quantity buyers.

Box Resellers

Working with box resellers offers consistency but at lower prices. They typically pay $4-8 per box regardless of condition, significantly less than direct sales to end users. However, they offer key advantages: guaranteed pickups, reliable payment schedules, and no need to manage multiple customer relationships. They're particularly useful when you want to move large quantities with minimal effort or don't have storage space for grading and sorting.

Pricing Structures (2024 Market)

Standard Pricing