There are several options for recycling bubble wrap. There are single stream recycling programs, recycling centers, and storage facilities. In this article, we’ll explore the different options. If you do choose to recycle, make sure you check with your local recycling facility for details. You can also call your storage facility to find out which options are available.
Can you recycle bubble wrap?
Bubble wrap can be recycled as plastic film by storing it compactly in a bin. You can find designated recycling bins at most grocery stores. However, it’s important to remember not to pop the bubbles. Instead, store it in a compact bin with other plastic films. Keep in mind that grocery stores may not have designated recycling bins for plastic bags presently because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Bubble wrap can be recycled at the grocery store, as it can be recycled with other soft plastics. However, there are specific guidelines for the way it should be recycled. In many areas, it must be placed in a clear plastic bag with a tie at the top to prevent bubbles from escaping and wasting too much space in the bin.
Although bubble wrap is recyclable, it is not the easiest type of plastic to recycle due to the material used and the amount of space it consumes. Most of it is made of #4 low-density polyethylene film, which is the same material as plastic shopping bags. This material is soft and flexible, but can quickly jam up recycling machines. This often leads to it being mixed with regular trash or escaping into the wild to pollute our waterways.
Can it be recycled at a recycling center?
Although you can recycle bubble wrap, you can’t bring it to your regular recycling center or place it on the curb for pickup along with your regular plastics. This is because the plastic wrap will contaminate the recycling stream, which will end up in the landfill. Instead, you will need to find a special recycling drop-off facility for plastic films of this type, such as bubble wrap, sandwich bags and grocery bags. There are hundreds of these facilities throughout the country, and many of them are conveniently located near large shopping centers.
Many people don’t know that bubble wrap is recyclable, and you should look for recycling programs that accept the plastic film. Some grocery stores have plastic bag recycling bins, and you can place your bubble wrap there as well. There are also many UPS Store locations in the US that accept this material for recycling. Just make sure to check their policy first.
If you’re having trouble finding a recycling facility in your area, you can check online to find a center near you that accepts the material.
Can it be recycled in a single stream recycling program?
Yes, but there are certain restrictions. First of all, you should make sure that your recycling program accepts this material. It has a high tensile strength, which means that it can get caught in recycling machinery and cause damage. It also poses a health risk to workers. Therefore, most recycling programs don’t accept bubble wrap in their standard curbside recycling bins. To avoid these problems, you can consider using a single stream recycling program.
Most clean plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs can be recycled. It is important that all plastic lids are attached to these containers, as these items can fall through the sorting equipment and cause problems. For further information on plastic materials, you can visit the Recycle Smart MA website. You can also visit a single stream MRF website to find a single stream recycling facility near you.
In a single stream recycling program, plastic film like bubble wrap can be recycled along with other plastic items. However, you should not pop the bubbles or place them inside the recycling bin. Instead, store the plastic film in compact containers.
Can it be recycled at a storage company?
You may wonder how to recycle bubble wrap right after a move. In some cases, it can be recycled, but in other cases, it isn’t recyclable at all. However, if you know where to look, you can find ways to reuse this material. You can reuse bubble wrap from shipping to protect items during transit, and it can also be used to insulate windows and drafty areas. It can even be used to create cards with bubble-like motifs. So, aside from recycling you should definitely consider reuse and upcycling as a tried and true option.
Some storage and moving companies offer recycling programs. In fact, some of them have special bins for this purpose. If you’d like to recycle bubble wrap, you can also contact a local recycling center. Many of these facilities will take bubble wrap and other materials like packing peanuts for recycling. They usually have special bins for this type of plastic, and if you have any questions, you can ask the staff at the recycling center.
