Can You Recycle Packing Peanuts?

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With the increase in eCommerce sales and the number of shipments transported globally, the amount of packaging used has increased as well. However, environmental experts have addressed concerns about plastic-based packaging and its potentially harmful effects if disposed of improperly. In addition to taking up space in landfills, plastic can pose serious dangers to wildlife if it blows out of trash cans or landfills.

Packing peanuts are a popular choice for padding packages. In recent years, manufacturers have strived to make them more sustainable. The good news is that some packing peanuts are recyclable, but they cannot always be thrown in with regular recycling.

Summary:

• Packing peanut materials vary, but they are usually recyclable at the right facilities.
• Municipal recycling programs do not always accept packing peanuts but, usually, a nearby recycling center will.
• Consider biodegradable packing peanuts for an eco-friendly option.

What Are Packing Peanuts Made of?

Packing peanuts are usually made of plastic foam designed to absorb impacts. They are typically made of polystyrene or Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), one of the types of plastics not always accepted by municipal recycling programs. You can check your local recycling program to see if they accept Plastic #6, the common recycling name for polystyrene.

Some packing peanuts are made of a special kind of non-food plant material. These packing peanuts are fully biodegradable, just like any other kind of plant material. Although they need time to break down fully, they are a great option for small business shipping supplies, especially if you live in an area with poor recycling options.

If you are wondering how to tell if packing peanuts are biodegradable, most packaging manufacturers indicate on the box or bag whether the contents can be recycled. The color of the peanuts can also indicate the level of biodegradable material present. Green has up to 70% recycled materials, while blue or pink peanuts are primarily made from virgin materials. Understanding these differences can help you communicate to customers about their options for recycling or disposing of packing peanuts in their shipments.

Get the Right Packing Peanuts for Your Shipments

Traditional Recycling Options

If your municipality allows recycling of packing peanuts, you may be able to dispose of your peanuts in a covered recycling container. Your municipality may request that you bag or box up your packing peanuts in a recyclable plastic bag or cardboard container. In some cases, municipal officials may request that you sort the packing peanuts separately from other recyclables, especially since they have special recycling requirements.

Avoid placing unbagged packing peanuts into an open recycling bin, as they can blow away easily. If in doubt, consider taking your packing peanuts directly to the municipal recycling center to avoid litter or incorrect disposal.

Packing peanuts need to be clean to be recycled. If they have been soiled due to a leak or spill inside a package, they need to be disposed of or allowed to biodegrade outside.

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Finding a Specialized Drop-Off

Smaller municipalities may not accommodate packing peanuts and other polystyrene packaging due to their unique processing requirements. However, specialized commercial recycling facilities may be able to help.

Some facilities only accept white packing peanuts to simplify their cleaning and recycling process. Check with them in advance and sort your packing peanuts instead of collecting them all in one container.

Most of these facilities do not charge a fee for you to drop off the packing peanuts. However, they may charge a nominal fee to pick them up from your location. 

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Buying Recycled and Biodegradable Packing Peanuts

Depending on your locality, the most environmentally responsible option may be to buy packing peanuts that are biodegradable and recyclable. This gives you multiple options for disposal if your local recycling options ever change. These plant-based peanuts are durable enough for shipping but are made from starches from wheat or corn and break down naturally when exposed to moisture.

Your municipality may have rules about how to dispose of biodegradable packing peanuts, so they may still initially end up in a landfill. However, their ability to break down naturally over time means they take up far less space in a landfill than traditional packing peanuts.

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Eco-Friendly Packaging Options

No matter what padding and packaging options you decide on, you need them to be as environmentally friendly as possible to win the trust of your customers and reduce your carbon footprint. Air Sea Containers is your source for recycled and recyclable packing peanuts, air bags, boxes and more.

We also stock hazmat labels and other safety essentials to keep you in full compliance with all your legal and ethical obligations. We specialize in providing appropriate quantities for small businesses so you can stay within your budget.