Our Story
From a small warehouse operation to a nationwide used box marketplace — driven by a simple belief: every box deserves a second chance.
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Closing the Loop on Packaging Waste
Every year, millions of perfectly usable boxes end up in landfills. We founded Box Recycle to change that. Our mission is simple: keep used packaging materials in circulation for as long as possible.
We work with warehouses, manufacturers, retailers, and logistics companies to buy their surplus boxes, inspect and sort them, and sell them to businesses that need affordable, eco-friendly packaging. When a box reaches the end of its usable life, we recycle it responsibly — ensuring nothing goes to waste.
This isn't just good business — it's the right thing to do. By choosing used boxes, our customers save money while reducing deforestation, water usage, and carbon emissions associated with manufacturing new packaging.
The packaging industry generates over 80 million tons of waste in the United States annually. Much of that waste consists of single-use corrugated cardboard and gaylord boxes that are structurally sound and perfectly suitable for reuse. At Box Recycle, we intercept these materials before they reach the waste stream and put them back to work.
Our approach is rooted in the principles of the circular economy. Rather than following the traditional linear model of “make, use, dispose,” we believe in “make, use, reuse, and then recycle.” Every box that passes through our facility is given the longest possible useful life before it's ever sent to a recycling mill.
We've proven that sustainability and profitability aren't mutually exclusive. Our customers consistently save 40-60% compared to buying new boxes, and they do so with the confidence that they're making a measurable environmental impact. Every used box purchased through Box Recycle represents water conserved, trees preserved, and carbon emissions avoided.
Since 2009, we've been building a more sustainable packaging supply chain — one box at a time. What started as a single founder with a pickup truck has grown into a nationwide operation processing millions of boxes annually.
By the Numbers
Over 16 years of operation, we've built a track record that speaks for itself. These aren't just numbers — they represent real environmental impact and real value delivered to our customers.
Company Timeline
From a rented storage unit to a nationwide operation — every milestone represents another step toward a more sustainable packaging industry.
Founded in New Haven, CT
Started as a small operation buying and reselling used gaylord boxes from local warehouses. Founder Mike Harrington saw an opportunity to reduce waste and launched Box Recycle from a rented storage unit.
First 10,000 Boxes Processed
Hit our first major milestone by processing 10,000 used gaylord boxes within our inaugural year — validating the demand for affordable, reused packaging.
First Dedicated Warehouse
Moved into a 15,000 sq. ft. warehouse in New Haven, giving us the space to properly inspect, sort, and store large volumes of inventory.
Expanded Product Line
Added corrugated boxes, specialty containers, and pallets to our growing inventory, becoming a one-stop shop for used packaging materials.
Pallet Program Launched
Introduced a dedicated pallet buying, selling, and repair program to complement our box offerings and provide complete packaging solutions.
Northeast Expansion
Established logistics partnerships across New England, New York, and New Jersey, enabling regular pickup and delivery routes throughout the Northeast corridor.
Recycling Program Launched
Introduced our zero-landfill recycling program for boxes that can no longer be reused, ensuring every piece of cardboard finds a second purpose.
100K Boxes Milestone
Reached the 100,000-box milestone, a testament to growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions from businesses of all sizes.
Transportation Fleet
Acquired our first fleet of trucks, offering pickup and delivery across the Northeast and reducing reliance on third-party carriers.
Sustainability Reporting
Published our first annual sustainability report, tracking environmental impact metrics including trees saved, water conserved, and carbon emissions avoided.
10th Anniversary
Celebrated a decade of keeping boxes out of landfills. Marked the occasion by launching community education programs on packaging reuse.
Nationwide Reach
Expanded logistics partnerships to serve businesses across the continental United States, shipping to 48 states.
Digital Platform Launch
Launched our online ordering system and customer portal, making it easier than ever for businesses to browse inventory, request quotes, and schedule pickups.
Fleet Expansion
Doubled our delivery fleet and added regional distribution hubs to improve turnaround times and serve more customers with next-day delivery.
2 Million Boxes Milestone
Reached the milestone of 2 million boxes recycled and reused — preventing thousands of tons of waste from entering landfills.
Carbon Neutral Operations
Achieved carbon-neutral status across all company operations through efficiency upgrades, renewable energy sourcing, and verified carbon offset partnerships.
Sustainability Certification
Achieved third-party sustainability certification and launched our enhanced carbon offset program, setting new industry benchmarks.
Our Team
Our success is driven by a passionate team of professionals who share a commitment to sustainability, customer service, and operational excellence.
Mike Harrington
CEO & FounderMike founded Box Recycle in 2009 after spending a decade in the logistics industry and witnessing firsthand how much usable packaging was being discarded. His vision of a circular packaging economy has driven the company from a one-person startup to a nationwide operation. Mike holds a degree in Environmental Science from the University of Connecticut.
Sarah Chen
VP of OperationsSarah oversees all warehouse operations, quality control processes, and supply chain management. With 12 years of experience in logistics and warehouse management, she designed the inspection and grading system that ensures every box meets our quality standards. Her operational improvements have increased processing capacity by 300% since she joined in 2014.
James Rivera
Sales DirectorJames leads our sales team and manages key client relationships across the country. His background in B2B sales and deep understanding of the packaging industry help businesses find the most cost-effective and sustainable solutions. James has grown our customer base from 500 to over 10,000 accounts since joining in 2016.
Priya Patel
Logistics ManagerPriya manages our fleet operations, delivery routing, and third-party carrier partnerships. She coordinates pickups and deliveries across 48 states, ensuring on-time performance and cost efficiency. Her route optimization strategies have reduced fuel consumption by 25% while expanding our service coverage.
David Okonkwo
Sustainability OfficerDavid leads our environmental initiatives, tracks sustainability metrics, and ensures compliance with evolving regulations. He produces our annual sustainability report and manages partnerships with environmental organizations. David holds an M.S. in Environmental Management from Yale School of the Environment.
Maria Gonzalez
Customer Service LeadMaria heads our customer service team, ensuring every client receives prompt, helpful, and knowledgeable support. She built our 24-hour response guarantee program and has maintained a 98% customer satisfaction rate. Maria believes every interaction is an opportunity to turn a customer into a lifelong partner.
Our Facilities
Our operations are centered around a purpose-built facility designed for maximum efficiency, thorough quality control, and minimal environmental impact.
Main Warehouse
Our 40,000+ sq. ft. primary warehouse in New Haven, CT serves as the hub of all operations. Climate-monitored storage areas protect inventory from moisture and temperature damage, ensuring every box ships in the condition our customers expect.
Sorting & Inspection Area
A dedicated 8,000 sq. ft. sorting zone where incoming boxes are individually inspected, graded, and categorized. Our team checks structural integrity, cleanliness, print condition, and dimensions to assign accurate quality grades from A through D.
Quality Control Process
Every box passes through a multi-point inspection process. We check for structural damage, contamination, moisture exposure, and dimensional accuracy. Boxes that don't meet reuse standards are immediately routed to our recycling partners — never to a landfill.
Delivery Fleet
Our fleet includes box trucks, flatbeds, and tractor-trailers equipped for safe and efficient transport of bulk packaging materials. GPS-tracked vehicles enable real-time delivery updates and optimized routing to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Loading Docks
Six loading docks allow simultaneous inbound receiving and outbound shipping. High-capacity dock levelers handle full truckloads efficiently, and a dedicated staging area ensures orders are verified and organized before they leave our facility.
Recycling Station
An on-site baling and recycling station processes boxes that have reached the end of their usable life. Baled cardboard is sent directly to certified recycling mills, closing the loop on our zero-landfill commitment.
Our Core Values
These principles guide every decision we make — from how we grade a box to how we treat our customers and communities.
Sustainability First
Every decision we make considers environmental impact. Reuse before recycling, recycling before disposal — always. We believe business and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
Reliability
When we commit to a pickup or delivery, we deliver. Our customers depend on us, and we take that seriously. Rain or shine, your order arrives on time.
Transparency
Clear pricing, honest grading, no hidden fees. What you see is what you get — every single time. We publish our grading standards and stand behind every box we sell.
Community Impact
We employ locally, partner with community recycling programs, and educate businesses on sustainable practices. Our success is measured by the communities we lift.
Innovation
From our digital ordering platform to our optimized sorting processes, we constantly seek better ways to keep packaging materials in circulation longer and more efficiently.
Integrity
We grade every box honestly, price fairly, and communicate openly. Our reputation has been built over 16 years of doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Certifications & Partners
We hold ourselves to the highest standards in sustainability and industry practice. Our certifications and partnerships reflect our commitment to transparency and accountability.
SCS Global Certified Sustainable
Third-party verified sustainable business practices across our entire supply chain.
EPA WasteWise Partner
Recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for exemplary waste reduction and recycling efforts.
ISRI Member
Active member of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, adhering to the highest industry standards.
Corrugated Packaging Alliance
Partner with CPA to promote the environmental benefits of corrugated packaging reuse and recycling.
CT Green Business Certified
Certified by the state of Connecticut as a green business meeting rigorous environmental performance criteria.
Verified Carbon Offset Partner
Partnered with Gold Standard-certified carbon offset projects to neutralize our operational footprint.
Community Involvement
We believe a business is only as strong as the community it serves. Here's how we invest in the people and places around us.
Local Job Creation
Box Recycle employs over 40 team members, the majority hired from the greater New Haven area. We offer competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for growth in the growing green economy. Many of our warehouse team leads started in entry-level positions and have built long-term careers with us.
Education Programs
We host facility tours for local schools and universities, teaching students about the circular economy, waste reduction, and careers in sustainability. Our annual “Box to Future” program has reached over 2,000 students since 2019, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
School & Nonprofit Partnerships
We donate packaging materials to local nonprofits, food banks, and school art programs. Our partnership with Habitat for Humanity provides free moving boxes to families transitioning into new homes. We also sponsor recycling drives at area schools, turning waste collection into hands-on learning opportunities.
Environmental Advocacy
We actively participate in regional environmental policy discussions and advocate for stronger packaging reuse mandates. Our sustainability officer serves on the Connecticut Recycling Advisory Council, and we contribute data and expertise to help shape effective waste reduction legislation.
Want to Work With Us?
Whether you're buying, selling, or recycling — let us show you how we can help.