How do I dispose of large boxes?

Question

I am new to home ownership and the processes associated. (mostly I have just been tearing parts of the house up, and then putting it back together. They call it "renovating").

When I lived in an apartment I would just take my boxes to the dumpster. I have quite a few large boxes that won't fit in my trashcan well. Can I just break these down and set them at the road? I know large items like toilets, tree clippings, fans, etc disappear from my curb (I think scavengers take them), but is it acceptable to pile a ton of boxes out there?

Sheila · Accepted Answer

You can sell cardboard to your local recycling center, to find a center in your area go to http://search.earth911.com/ -enter corrugated cardboard and your zip code.
Or break the boxes down and tie with twine, place next to your trashcan and your garbage service will take it.

quidagamus · Answer

Check with your municipality, some of them have very strict rules and insist that all recyclables be placed in the approved bin. If that's the case you will have to cut the box up so it fits on the recycle bin but if they allow you to set out big boxes for pick up then haul the box out to the curb the morning they come around.  Call your city hall or ask one of your neighbors. It's a good idea to call your city hall so they can give you instructions on other local rules and regulations.

adaviel · Answer

Check your local municipality website for the garbage rules.
Here, you have to truck your own trash to the landfill or transfer station and pay for it. Once or twice a year they have free days. They also accept recyclable stuff like cardboard, metal, appliances, paper etc. for free anytime.
Gypsum wallboard is considered a toxic material and requires special disposal.
We now have a limit on number of garbage cans at the kerb per garbage day, but if you can break stuff down and bag it they'll take it. Some things (wallboard, motor oil, chemicals etc.) you aren't supposed to dump but you can call and ask and there's usually some free service, e.g. for motor oil and liquid paint, expired drugs etc.

dtstellwagen · Answer

Often times the local garbage transfer station has bins for cardboard, ours allows free drop off of recyclables.

We also have curbside recycling, in our area we allowed to put any extra recyclables into cardboard boxes and set out with the bins. When I moved last year I just stuffed broken down boxes into large boxes and set them out on collection day.

If you live in a metro area you could post them as free on craigslist   http://denver.craigslist.org/search/zip?query=free+boxes

ClicketyClack · Answer

I can put flattened corrugated cardboard boxes out with the recylcling where I live. That's what I'd do. But I've seen them sold on ebay and craigs list too so you could try that. I can't imagine anyone reporting you if you put them by the curb for one day either!! : }

Anonymous · Answer

Ask the sanation department in you city

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How do I dispose of large boxes?

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