Where to Get Free Cardboard (Even Large Pieces): 6 Stores That Offer It

Jennifer Kostuch headshot Jennifer Kostuch
Verified & Updated Jun 16, 2020

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There are many places — likely some near you — where you can get cardboard for free. However, if you’re looking for cardboard of a specific size, you may want to purchase it instead. Below, we have more details about where to get large pieces of cardboard for free or for a reasonable price.

Where to Get Free Cardboard

Whether you’re looking for cardboard boxes for moving or you need large pieces of cardboard for a project, there are a number of places where you can get it for free. We contacted several national retailers to find out if they give cardboard away for free. In addition to the list of retailers below, you may want to check with your local grocery store or nearby restaurants and bars that receive regular shipments. It’s best to call ahead to find out when you should stop by to pick up cardboard. Stores receive shipments on different days and at different times, and many stores crush cardboard for recycling if it’s not going to be used or picked up.

Below, we list the places that will give you cardboard for free, based on our online research and calls with customer service representatives and store associates from each retailer.

ALDI

  • Availability: ALDI has boxes near the store exit for customers to use to take home their purchases. If you need several cardboard boxes, you can ask the store manager to find out when the store receives shipments and/or the best day to pick up boxes.
  • Find an ALDI

Costco

  • Availability: Costco has boxes near the store exit for customers to use to take home their purchases. If you need several cardboard boxes, you can ask the store manager when the store receives shipments and/or the best day to pick up boxes.
  • Find a Costco

The Home Depot

  • Availability: The Home Depot will give cardboard boxes to people who ask. Call ahead to your local store to see if any cardboard is available, as The Home Depot typically crushes its cardboard for recycling.
  • Find a Home Depot

McDonald’s

  • Availability: McDonald’s will give cardboard to people who ask. You can call ahead to see if your intended location has the size/amount of cardboard you need.
  • Find a McDonald’s

Menards

  • Availability: Menards will give cardboard to people who ask. Call ahead to your local store to see if any cardboard is available, as Menards typically crushes its cardboard for recycling.
  • Find a Menards

Starbucks

  • Availability: Starbucks will give cardboard to people who ask. Call ahead to your local store to see to find out when the store receives shipments.
  • Find a Starbucks

Looking specifically for cardboard shoeboxes? See our list of places that may offer them for free.

Other Places to Get Cardboard

If you’re looking for cardboard of a specific type or size, you may want to purchase it instead. Below, we list the places where you buy cardboard for reasonable prices.

Amazon

  • Availability: Amazon sells cardboard boxes and cardboard sheets in a wide range of sizes.
  • Shop online

The Home Depot

Office Depot/OfficeMax

Staples

  • Availability: Staples sells cardboard boxes and cardboard sheets in various sizes.
  • Shop online or find a Staples (in-store availability may vary)

Walmart

  • Availability: Walmart sells a wide selection of cardboard boxes and cardboard sheets.
  • Shop online or find a Walmart (in-store availability may vary)
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