Can you reuse Amazon boxes to ship FedEx? (3 benefits) 

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This article addresses some significant queries about Amazon boxes. People question if the cardboard boxes that Amazon uses to distribute its items can be recycled and what impact Amazon can have on the environment and sustainability. The subsequent subjects are covered:

  • What are amazon boxes made of?
  • Can amazon boxes be reused?
  • How can Amazon boxes be reused to ship to FedEx?
  • Can amazon boxes be used to ship FedEx
  • Does amazon allow such acts?
  • Does reusing actually help in reducing the environmental impact?
  • FAQs

Can you reuse Amazon boxes to ship FedEx?

Yes, you can use amazon boxes but all amazon logos and old addresses must be removed completely. 

In fact, almost all courier and e-commerce companies prefer cardboard boxes for shipments because they are safe to carry and have enough strength to hold everything in place and can be used for almost every type of goods. However, you need to be careful with the labelling. 

Most boxes are made from cardboard which is made from recycled paper. Cardboard boxes can be reused several times and after that, can be recycled and composted. 

Since cardboard boxes are made from natural, plant-based materials, these boxes have very little impact on the environment and are considered an eco-friendly option, much better than plastic packaging.

Can Amazon boxes be reused?

Yes. You can use these boxes in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons. The uses of cardboard boxes are numerous. They can be utilised as a domestic storage item, for the delivery of shipments, and for the storage of food and beverages.

Since we already know that wood pulp is non-toxic, cardboard boxes can be securely placed wherever you like them in the house. They can even be composted by being broken up into tiny pieces and combined with soil.

Amazon boxes can be used for up to three years before they deteriorate and become too fragile to be utilised for shipping. They can still be utilised for household tasks like composting though.

Can amazon boxes be reused to ship to FedEx?

FedEx and Amazon both employ the same kind of cardboard boxes for shipments since they are easy to transport, strong enough to hold everything in place, and suitable for practically every kind of commodity. In fact, almost all courier and e-commerce companies favour cardboard boxes for shipments.

The only remaining question is whether a courier service like FedEx will permit the use of Amazon-branded boxes because it would be uncomfortable for a courier firm to ship anything with the name of another company on it and that is the reason FedEx does not allow the used labelled boxes.

Reading through FedEx’s instructions for delivering a product, indicates that it has specific requirements or limitations on the labelling, therefore shipments can only be sent using FedEx express cardboard boxes while using FedEx courier services. FedEx does allow the use of private cardboard boxes but there are some rules.

Before sending a delivery, any relative labelling or brand names should be removed from old boxes. This is because if the shipment has old addresses listed on it, both the customer and FedEx may find it confusing and inconvenient so FedEx does not allow acts.

So technically, yes, you could use amazon boxes but all amazon logos and old addresses must be removed completely. 

What steps do you need to be careful about while reusing Amazon boxes?

Let us explore some of the steps/points that you may want to consider while reusing Amazon boxes to ship to FedEx:

  • Maintaining good quality boxes
  • Complete removal of all tags and barcodes
  • Be careful of the size and weight of the boxes 
  • Correct packaging
  • Ensuring that unallowed items are not packed 

Maintaining good quality boxes 

Yes, you can reuse Amazon boxes but for that you need to ensure that the box is in the right condition to be reused. If there is any chance that the box may have any damage or fault, it is better not to reuse it. Doing so will also put your shipment contents at risk. 

Complete removal of all tags and barcodes

It is pretty natural that all the labels and previous barcodes are properly removed. If not, there could be complications like your shipment ending in the wrong address. Also, it is inquired that you need to remove the Amazon logo?

No, you do not need to remove the Amazon logo or cover it in any way. But all the barcodes could be removed. 

Be careful of the size and dimensions of the boxes to be reused 

Another factor that you need to ensure is that for the reusing of boxes, you select the right size and dimension. Using either too big or too small boxes will not only compromise your shipment but will also take extra space which may create complications.

For example, if you have to ship a watch, you can not ship it in a cloth box as it will be too big for it. Hence, the determination of the right size is also very important. 

Correct packaging

You also need to ensure that the package is packed correctly. If not, the shipment can be damaged. This also includes the determination of the right size of box while also making sure that there is sufficient amount of cushioning and padding. 

Also, you need to package the box correctly by using good quality and eco-friendly adhesives so that the box may remain intact and so do the materials inside. 

Avoiding unallowed materials

As the proverb goes by, know your league. If you are going to reuse boxes to ship to USPS, you need to know which materials you are not allowed to use. Some of them are common sense such as ammunition or explosives but some of them are rather technical such as air bags or marijuana. 

Can amazon boxes be recycled? How is it recycled? (3 benefits) 

Definitely, yes. Amazon boxes are constructed of cardboard, which is typically made from recycled paper, as was previously mentioned. This means that although these boxes are already made of recycled materials, they have the added benefit of being recyclable at least seven times.

Today, the majority of Amazon boxes are recycled repeatedly, and recycling them is rather easy. First, the inks and tapes are taken off and it is segregated from other types of paper. These boxes are then shredded, treated with certain chemicals to break them down into fibre, and merged once more to create new cardboard.

There is no waste in this procedure because over 50% of the cardboard can be recycled into new, high-quality cardboard and the remaining 50% can be used for other paper goods. Recycling will lead to the following advantages:

  • Better waste management
  • Better resource management 
  • Decreased pressure on raw materials 

The recycling may be done by either dumping the boxes in green-coloured recycle bins or transporting the bins to the nearest recycling facility.

What is the environmental impact of using cardboard boxes like Amazon?

In simple words, It has a very minor influence. The impact only occurs in areas where trees are cut down directly to make cardboard boxes, but as most boxes are non-toxic, biodegradable, recyclable, and reusable, their environmental impact is minimal for the bulk of the boxes used.

Using Amazon boxes repeatedly lessens the need for new ones, and since these boxes can be recycled, there is now no need to clear any trees for them if they are used often.

We know that these boxes can be used in a variety of businesses and homes, so it would feel awful to simply put them in the trash where they have no use. Therefore, flattening them and placing them in recycling trash cans where they will be shipped to recycling facilities would be the most acceptable way to dispose of them.

Can you compost Amazon boxes?

Let us say that your Amazon box has reached its end life. It apparently can not be used further. Let us explore some of the ways in which you can dispose of Amazon boxes. When it comes to disposing of, there are many green options rather than simply putting the box in a trash can. 

One of the ways is to compost Amazon boxes. Composting is the process of making compost from waste. This compost can be used as a natural fertiliser that can replace synthetic fertilisers. 

Composting is a green alternative because it offers a number of benefits that include: 

  • Increased soil fertility 
  • Increased water retention profile
  • The increased organic content of the soil
  • Better yield
  • Decreased use of agrochemicals 

The composting of cardboard boxes can be done in two ways. One is called the hot method and the other is called the cold method.

What is the cold composting method and how is it done?

The steps to compost Amazon boxes include:

  • Add Amazon boxes with other compostable waste
  • Choose a apt location 
  • Selection of compost bins 
  • Add alternate layers of brown and green matter
  • Let the material compost for some months
  • Extract the compost and use it as a natural fertiliser 

Since it is the cold method, you really do not require high temperatures. 

How is hot composting of Amazon boxes done?

The hot composting of Amazon boxes is quite similar to that of cold composting. Most steps will remain the same. However, since it is the hot method, the overall temperature of the compost bin will be kept higher to improve the process and remove microbial contamination chances. 

What are the benefits of composting Amazon boxes?

One stand-out benefit is that composting Amazon boxes is one efficient way to decrease the use of synthetic fertilisers. Synthetic fertilisers are made from many harmful chemicals and when these chemicals are made a part of the soil, degradative effects follow. 

Another benefit that is offered by recycling Amazon boxes is that there is the conservation of water. Water is a very limited resource. Already, many countries are water scarce and are on the verge of being water deprived. 

As per research and stats, there are many people who have no access to clean water and the use of water for agricultural practices is one contributing factor towards it. 

However, when Amazon boxes are composted, then there is an improvement in the water retention capacity of the soil. This is because the organic content of the Amazon boxes directly enhances the water retention ability of the soil. 

This results in the conservation of water. The water saved from here can then be utilised in other effective ways. Therefore, the recycling of Amazon boxes is one effective way to ensure that the water scarcity problem is mitigated and alleviated. 

Conclusion

It is concluded that you can reuse amazon boxes to ship FedEx but all amazon logos and old addresses must be removed completely. 

In fact, almost all courier and e-commerce companies prefer cardboard boxes for shipments because they are safe to carry and have enough strength to hold everything in place and can be used for almost every type of goods. However, you need to be careful with the labelling. 

Most boxes are made from cardboard which is made from recycled paper. Cardboard boxes can be reused several times and after that, can be recycled and composted. 

Since cardboard boxes are made from natural, plant-based materials, these boxes have very little impact on the environment and are considered an eco-friendly option, much better than plastic packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions: Can you reuse Amazon boxes to ship FedEx?

What precautions should you follow to reuse Amazon boxes to ship FedEx?

You need to ensure that you have carefully removed all the relevant labels and stamps. Reading through FedEx’s instructions for delivering a product, indicates that it has specific requirements or limitations on the labelling, therefore shipments can only be sent using FedEx express cardboard boxes while using FedEx courier services.

How many times can Amazon boxes be reused?

The exact depends on how carefully you use and reuse Amazon boxes. However, it is claimed that, if used properly, cardboard boxes can be reused for up to three years.

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