Packing Peanut Recycling

While you can't dump them in your recycling bin, there are several ways to keep your used packing peanuts from ending up in the trash.

1. Reuse them yourself

This method not only eliminates the energy needed to transport or recycle the packing peanuts, it also saves you money! Reusing packing peanuts lets you reduce your costs for packaging supplies, while reducing the amount of raw materials used to produce peanuts. Associated Bag sells several kinds of packing peanut dispensers that make it easy to reuse the peanuts you receive.

2. Give them to others to reuse

If you are unable to reuse your own packing peanuts, there are likely many businesses in your area willing to accept them. Visit www.loosefillpackaging.com for information on businesses willing to take your used peanuts (You can also call the Plastic Loose Fill Council's Peanut Hotline at 800-828-2214). The collection sites are typically small packaging or gift shops that welcome the free packing material.

3. Recycle them

If there is no way to reuse your packing peanuts, recycling is recommended to keep them from going to a landfill. First, determine what materials can be recycled and where by contacting the department of public works in your county. For state recycling information, visit www.earth911.org, or call 800-CLEAN-UP.  If you are going to be recycling a large quantity of peanuts, go to www.epspackaging.org, or call the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers at 410-451-8340.

Before you head to the recycling center, check to make sure that your peanuts are indeed recyclable. There are now biodegradable alternatives to polystyrene packing peanuts made from corn starch. While they resemble their polystyrene counterparts, they almost instantly disintegrate in water, making it easy to tell them apart. If you have this type of packing material, it can be safely disposed of by simply washing it down the drain.

Please don't hesitate to call our Customer Service Department at 800-926-6100, or email: customerservice@associatedbag.com for further information.