Reusing
If you're able to reuse any packaging, I would highly encourage you to do so! Here are some ideas:
- Mailers often have a second sealable strip, so they're perfect to keep around for returns or for shipping packages of your own!
- Cardboard boxes are very sturdy (assuming they're still in good shape) and are excellent for storage.
- Glass jars can be reused to hold desk items, wax melts, or even used as mini flower pots.
Recycling
If you can't find a use for any of your packaging, here are some easy ways that you can put these materials back into the ecosystem and keep them out of a landfill.
Items that you will find frequently are marked with a star, as they are either my standard packaging or items that I have a surplus of and are actively trying to reuse.
Outer packaging
Corrugated Boxes
Can be curbside recycled.
Boxes should be flattened, and it is fine to leave tape and labels in most areas (check with your local provider to be sure) as they will be skimmed off in the repulping process.
Boxes should be clean and dry.
Poly Mailers
(Has another seal and can be reused :) )
Not accepted by most curbside programs (plastic film).
However, most areas have grocery stores with a thin film recycling program and have bins set up to collect these items.
If you do not have access to a plastic film recycling program, EcoEnclose offers a takeback program to allow you to recycle all of your plastic film!
Kraft Mailer
Can be curbside recycled.
Water Activated Tape
Can be curbside recycled.
Does not need to be removed from packaging.
Bubble Mailers
Not accepted by most curbside programs (plastic film).
However, most areas have grocery stores with a thin film recycling program and have bins set up to collect these items.
If you do not have access to a plastic film recycling program, EcoEnclose offers a takeback program to allow you to recycle all of your plastic film!
Inner Packaging
Glassine Bags
Can be curbside recycled (made out of paper).
Hemp Twine
Can be composted in a home composting bin.
Accepted at some industrial composting facilities.
Naturally biodegradable.
Clear Plastic Bags
Not accepted by most curbside programs (plastic film).
However, most areas have grocery stores with a thin film recycling program and have bins set up to collect these items.
If you do not have access to a plastic film recycling program, EcoEnclose offers a takeback program to allow you to recycle all of your plastic film!
Protective Packaging
Tissue Paper
Check with your provider. Some prefer tissue paper be curbside recycled, others prefer it be composted.
Starch Packing Peanuts
Naturally biodegradeable (dissolve in water).
Bubble Wrap
Not accepted by most curbside programs (plastic film).
However, most areas have grocery stores with a thin film recycling program and have bins set up to collect these items.
Thermal/Insulated Bubble Wrap
Check with your provider and nearby plastic film programs to see if they accept these items.
Packaging Paper
Can be curbside recycled.
Flexi-hex Air Sleeve
(This thing if you have no idea what this is)
Can be curbside recycled.
Crinkle Paper
Unfortunately, this stuff should go straight to the garbage.
Technically the materials of crinkle paper are recyclable, however, most programs do not accept it. When the paper is wetted, it can easily gum up due to the small size and make the machines malfunction.
Plain crinkle paper can be composted, but if the paper has a solid color, then it has a lot of ink that could negatively impact the compost.
Paper Products
We Care Cards
Can be curbside recycled (mixed paper).
Office Paper
Can be curbside recycled (mixed paper).
Staples can remain.
Shipping Labels
Can be curbside recycled (mixed paper).
Shipping labels may remain on corrugated boxes and mailers.
These labels have an adhesive that is compatible for recycling.