We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashton Gilbert. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashton below.

Alright, Ashton thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made?

When UnBoxed first began, my support system drove their personal small SUV. That lasted all of two months before moving to a very old converted passenger van. The 2023 goal was to invest in a large commercial cargo van. With a lot of hard work, and a couple of grants, the month of my two year anniversary, I was able to invest in a larger cargo van. This helped increase the amount of cardboard and clients the business was able to collect and recycle cardboard. From March of 2021 through March of 2023, UnBoxed Recycling had recycled 60 tons of cardboard. But, with the new cargo van from March of 2023 through December of 2023, UnBoxed recycled 75 tons of cardboard!

Ashton , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Ashton Gilbert, and I am the owner of UnBoxed Recycling LLC. I am proudly a disabled entrepreneur. I am autistic and have intellectual and mental health challenges. I require a support system, but really wanted to work. Not only did my unique abilities need a solution, but our world was in a pandemic, so, many of my support systems or job training opportunities were no longer available. My biggest support system (my parents) had a eureka moment in March of 2021 of a route service for cardboard boxes for residential homes that were experiencing an uptick of online shopping. We are not in a large city, and recycling services are very limited in our area. My support system posted an ad on Facebook, and BOOM! I was in business!

My community was excited that they had an easy, personalized recycling option. UnBoxed Recycling quickly grew not only to residential recycling, but to small businesses in our community. I have met some of the nicest people along the way. Since conception in March of 2021 through December of 2023, I have recycled 175 tons of cardboard! All loaded and unloaded by hand. I am so proud of the impact I have made for the environment. I, currently, serve Wilson County, Tennessee. One fact most might not know about UnBoxed Recycling is our commitment to community. I, often, donate cardboard to emergency moving situations and to our local non profit community gardens! In 2023, I donated over 6 tons of cardboard boxes to our community.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Social media (specifically Facebook) has been the main source of gaining clients. Being part of a close knit, but large community, the local city pages on social media reach my target audience with only time as an investment. My support staff and I, also, attend local business meetings and groups. Being a service based business, I have not had to invest in a lot of marketing to maintain and gain clients.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

UnBoxed Recycling is the only door to door recycling route service in our area. My community sees my commitment to overcome challenges and strong work ethic. I am often complimented on my consistency, communication, and working through any challenges that arise on a job. There are days where it can be challenging, but I work hard to step away to reset myself so I can best complete the project I am working on. My clients can see that I do not give up even if I have had a difficult day or situation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.UnBoxedRecycling.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/unboxedrecycling
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/unboxedrecyclingllc

Image Credits
Robin Rayne (professional photographer should be sending these via Email). Uploaded images by Ashley York