When you open a box or package, there can be a lot of packing materials. From styrofoam to paper and even bubble wrap, a lot of these packing materials tend to get thrown in the recycling bin. While you can recycle bubble wrap, it’s not as simple as tossing your bubble wrap in the recycling bin with your cardboard and paper. Instead, you’ll need to take it to a facility that accepts plastic recycling.
Want to learn more about how you can protect the environment by properly recycling bubble wrap? Here’s everything you need to know.
Can You Recycle Bubble Wrap?
Technically, bubble wrap can be recycled. As long as you take your bubble wrap to an appropriate plastic recycling center, you can safely recycle it. Unfortunately, bubble wrap can’t go in your curbside recycling bin or the community recycling bin at your apartment complex.
If you want to recycle bubble wrap, you’ll need to take it to a location that accepts plastic. These locations typically accept several types of plastic, including grocery bags. Some grocery stores offer plastic recycling bins for the public. You can also visit Corridor Recycling, where we accept a long list of materials that includes non-CRV plastic.
How to Recycle Bubble Wrap
If you have a bunch of bubble wrap lying around from old packages, you’re probably eager to get rid of it. As long as you take your bubble wrap to the right facility, it’s safe to recycle. You can start by checking local grocery stores to see if they have a grocery bag recycling bin. These bins accept various types of plastic, including bubble wrap. If you can’t find what you’re looking for at a grocery store, Corridor Recycling can help.
Keep in mind that you have to separate bubble wrap from other materials because it goes in a plastic recycling bin. Before you recycle your bubble wrap, make sure it’s not attached to any tape, cardboard, or styrofoam. Unless tape is made out of paper — like the tape on Amazon packages — you should throw it away instead of recycling.
The cleanliness of materials is also a key part of the recycling process. Most facilities don’t accept materials that are exceptionally dirty, so throw your bubble wrap out if it’s contaminated with food or other waste.
Where to Recycle Bubble Wrap
When it comes to recycling bubble wrap, you have a few choices. The only thing you can’t do is put your bubble wrap in the curbside recycling bin your garbage pickup service provides.
If you’re looking for a convenient way to recycle your bubble wrap, you can check your local grocery stores to see if they have a plastic recycling bin. Many grocery stores provide these bins to allow customers to recycle plastic grocery bags, but you can also recycle your bubble wrap here. It’s usually pretty easy to find a local grocery store that accepts plastic recycling.
Alternatively, you can visit Corridor Recycling and we’ll help you get rid of your non-CRV plastic. We accept a wide range of materials, and we can even help you get everything sorted and unloaded. All you have to do is load up your recycling in a truck and bring it to us — we’ll take care of the rest.
Separating Your Recyclables
While we can help you separate and unload your recycling, you should make a habit of separating your recycling into different bins at home or work. Different types of recycling go in different bins, so it’s easier for us if you neatly organize everything before you bring it in.
You should have one bin for non-CRV glass and one for non-CRV plastic. You can put any glass containers that don’t have a CRV in the glass container. Items like milk jugs, grocery bags, bubble wrap, plastic crates, and shrink wrap can go in the plastic container. Make sure all containers are clean before you add them to your recycling.
If you have a job that generates a lot of scrap metal, keep a separate bin for that. Recycling scrap metal is the best way to get paid for your recycling — especially if you have large amounts of copper. However, it’s important to keep scrap metal clean to maximize its value.
Last but not least, make sure you have a spot to keep electronic waste. E-waste recycling is a crucial part of making the most of our limited precious metal supply, so you should always recycle phones, computers, TVs, and other electronics.
Can You Recycle Other Packing Materials?
Sustainable packaging has become a strong focus for a lot of big companies. As a consumer, this means that most of the packing materials you’ll find are designed to be recyclable.
Instead of bubble wrap, some companies are now using cushion wrap that has a more paper-like feel. This cushion wrap is often recyclable, just like the paper, cardboard, and plastic pieces that are often found inside boxes. You can even recycle the cardboard box itself once you remove the tape.
At-Home Recycling Tips
Recycling is a key part of being a responsible adult, and it’s easier than you might think. If you want to make recycling a priority, here are some tips to consider.
Separate all your recycling into different bins when you use it. If you use a jar of pasta sauce, clean the jar and put it in your glass container to save time later on.
Check with your garbage and recycling pickup service to see which materials they accept. Some companies refuse to accept certain materials.
If you have trouble recycling something, visit Corridor Recycling and we’ll help you figure it out.
Bring Your Plastic to Corridor Recycling
It might seem like a lot of work to recycle — especially when certain materials can’t go in your curbside bin. When you recycle the right way, you’re protecting the environment and helping the world make the most of its limited resources.
Do you need help implementing a recycling program at home or at work? Contact Corridor Recycling to learn more about the services we provide and how we can help you recycle.