Is packing paper recyclable? The need to save the world from waste cannot be overemphasized. Everyone is encouraged to embrace eco-friendly lifestyle, and we can all benefit from these efforts. Eco-friendly moving essentially means being conscious of waste while moving.
A lot of packing needs to be done when you are moving, and to conserve our planet, the packing materials need to be disposed of properly. An excellent way to achieve this is to recycle packing material. In this post, we will be taking a look at how to dispose of packing material properly.
How Do You Dispose Of Packing Materials?
When you get to your new home, you will have plenty of packing materials left over. But what do you do with it all? Here are some ways to repurpose or dispose of your packing materials:
- Recycle outer cardboard box with other cardboard material.
- Discard receipts and invoices
- Recycle plastic air pillows with other plastic bags and films.
- Recycle moving boxes.
However, it is important to consider whether the packing materials are recyclable. Ultimately, the way you dispose of packing materials will depend on the type of material and how it can be reused.
What Packing Materials Are Recyclable?
As stated earlier, you can recycle some packing materials. To give you a perfect idea of how to do it right, we will take on different packing materials and how to reuse them after unpacking:
Bubble Wrap
Bubble wrap can be recycled – they are made with a similar plastic that is used in grocery and dry-cleaning bags. The process of recycling for these items is the same. They are flattened and turned into small plastic pellets before being reused to make new plastic products. You should start by deflating the bubble wrap. Then take them to an appropriate drop-off location. You can drop them off in a grocery store collection bin, if they are accepted by the store.
Cardboard Paper
Cardboard is one of the most common packing materials. Thankfully, it can be recycled easily. It is typically made of high-value grade paper, which can be reused several times. Cardboard is usually collected with other paper products, though the recycling processes may be different. To prepare the material for recycling, remove all tape and labels before flattening the cardboard paper.
Packing Peanuts
Packing peanuts pose challenges. They can be difficult to use, and even harder to dispose of. However, they can be reused and recycled. The problem is that they require a dedicated facility, and not many recyclers will accept them. One option is EPS Industry Alliance packaging. They have programs all over the United States, and you can get in touch with them for a nearby location, where you can drop off the used packing peanuts.
Tissue Paper
Tissue paper another common packing material, it can provide cushion for small and delicate items packed together like trinkets and ornaments. You can use it after moving to your new home by simply reusing it for different purposes. However, since it is made from recycled materials, it is difficult to reprocess. Most facilities won’t accept them. If you are in doubt about where to drop off tissue paper used as packing material and you don’t want to reuse it, composting is another option.
Foam Products
Foam products are used in packaging but this material can’t be recycled traditionally. You will find it difficult, if not impossible, to find a local recycler that will accept them. Your best bet is to reuse them, if there is a need for that. If you really want to get rid of them, consider taking them to a shipping facility where they can be reused. You should call the facility to know whether they will accept the products before attempting a drop-off.
Stretch Wrap
Stretch wrap is normally made of linear low-density polyethylene. It is similar to bubble wrap, so you can’t place it in your curbside recycling bin. It will also be challenging to find local recyclers who will accept it. Some grocery stores may also decline it in their collection bin since it can only be recycled in a special process. Look online and arrange for a special pickup or drop off with a facility that has a use for it.
Mixed Materials
Some packing products are made of more than one material, and need to be recycled in different ways. A paper envelope with bubble wrap, for instance, needs to be separated from the plastic before recycling. Be sure to separate them before dropping them off for recycling.
Environmentally Friendly Options
Many businesses are turning to eco-friendly materials for packaging. You should consider using these materials for packing when you need to move. Some eco-friendly materials include:
- biodegradable packing peanuts
- air pillows made of recycled materials
- cornstarch
- biodegradable plastics
- Reusable plastic moving boxes
And if that is not enough, more eco-friendly materials are being invented and manufactured as our society becomes more eco-conscious. So keep looking out for them.
In summary, eco-friendly moving is not just about recycling packing materials, it also involves using the right materials for packing when you need to move. We have suggested the best ways to recycle packing material and sincerely hope that this helps you make better decisions.
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