After your package has arrived at its destination, there isn’t much use in keeping the packing peanuts around; they take up space and don’t serve any useful purpose unless you plan to ship another package. This handy guide explains how you can recycle your packing peanuts when you are finished with them.
Re-Using vs. Recycling Packing Peanuts
Packing peanuts cannot be recycled in the same way that aluminum cans, cardboard boxes or papers would be, but there are still lots of environmentally-friendly ways to re-use them or dispose of them.
Sell Your Packing Peanuts on Ebay or Bonanzle
Perhaps you’ve just moved, or made some large purchases, and you have an overabundance of packing peanuts on hand. If they are all in clean, useable condition, you might be able to find a buyer for them if you list them for sale on ebay or similar web sites.
Packing peanuts are expensive. Ebay sellers are continually on the hunt for cheap packing peanuts, so it’s a win-win situation if you can find a buyer for the peanuts you want to get rid of. It will allow you to recover a little bit of the money you initially spent on the peanuts, plus the seller will get a good deal on them too.
If the ebay fees look too expensive in proportion to the money you’d get back, check out bonanzle.com and other ebay alternatives as well.
Freecycle.org and Craigslist.org
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of selling your peanuts, offer them for free on either freecycle.org or craigslist.org. Someone else in your community will probably be glad to take them off your hands.
Recycle Your Packing Peanuts Locally
The Plastic Loose Fill Council has organized a nationwide network for consumers who wish to recycle their packing peanuts. Locations are available in every state, and there is a toll-free number that you can call to find drop-off locations that are close to you. The phone number for the peanut hotline is 800-828-2214. (Source)
They also maintain an online directory that lists locations by state, so if you prefer not to call, you can just visit their web site instead. If you prefer to find a location online, there is a directory that lists locations by state. Click here to access the directory of drop-off locations.
The UPS Store, Mail Boxes Etc, and many other retail stores participate in this program.
Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers
You can find additional information about recycling packing peanuts and other foam and plastic materials through the web site maintained by the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers. The URL is . Their phone number is (410)451-8340 if you prefer to call them.(Source.)
Starch Packing Peanuts
Not all packing peanuts are made of plastic. Some packing peanuts are made of biodegradable material. If this is the kind of peanuts that you want to get rid of, the easiest way to dispose of them is to put them outside right before a rainstorm. If you soak them with water; they will disintegrate. You can also add starch packing peanuts to a compost pile. (Source)
Recycling Makes a Difference!
Thanks for recycling or reusing your packing peanuts instead of dumping them in a landfill. It makes a significant difference in preserving the environment, and you can definitely feel good about doing your part to help.
