How to Recycle Your Protective Packaging

Once you’ve received a package in the mail, what do you do with the protective bubble sheets? If you’re like most people, you probably stomp on the bubble sheet to hear that wondrous stress-relieving popping sound (and also because it’s fun). However, did you know that there’s a way to recycle bubble sheets after they have been popped? 

Below, you will find step-by-step instructions for how to recycle bubble sheets and other protective packaging. For more information on how to recycle packaging materials, we recommend you contact an experienced bubble sheet manufacturer.

1. Know What Can Be Recycled

Not all protective packaging can be recycled, which is why it’s important you know what materials you should set aside or throw away.

Plastic film recycling drop-off centers accept:

2. Pop All Air Bubbles

As if you need an excuse to pop all the air bubbles in a protective bubble sheet. Now you can say you’re helping protect the environment when you obnoxiously set out to pop each and every bubble. 

If you have any protective air pillows, make sure that these are deflated as well before dropping them off. Air bubbles take up space and make the sorting process more complicated.

3. Make Sure Your Materials Meet the Requirements

If your packaging has been exposed to certain substances, it’s no longer eligible for recycling. A common example of this would be hazardous chemicals or materials, but other substances such as food grease or residue can also apply. Contact your local recycling center to find out if your packaging is still eligible for recycling. 

In addition, be careful not to bundle your recycling together. While you might think you’re doing the recycling center a favor by tying together your recyclables with twine or putting them in plastic bags, these materials actually make it more difficult for the center to process your recycling. 

4. Find a Plastic Film Recycling Location

Never put used bubble sheets or other protective shipping materials in your curbside recycling bin because it can clog recycling machinery. To quickly find a plastic film recycling center in your area, you can use the drop-off locator at plasticfilmrecycling.org.

Check your local grocery store to see if they offer a drop-off bin for plastic film recycling. These bins are usually found near the store’s entrance. Grocery stores will often offer drop-offs for plastic film products to reduce the environmental impact of used plastic grocery bags. 

Avoid common recycling mistakes by contacting an experienced protective packaging company.

5. Reuse protective packing materials.

As an alternative to recycling, you can also reuse protective packaging materials. For example, if you or a friend are planning a move, you may want to save your protective bubble and foam products. Not having to go out and buy new packaging materials for your stuff will help you save on moving expenses.

If you have small children, you may want to save bubble wrap for fun crafts you can do during weekends or school breaks. Bubble wrap can also be carefully draped over plants to protect them from frosts. There are many creative ways to reuse protective packaging materials.

If you are interested in ordering our recyclable protective packaging, please feel free to give Premier Protective Packaging a call at (616) 791-7400. We are a bubble sheet manufacturing company in Holland, MI, dedicated to helping customers make the most out of their protective packaging products.