Is Bubble Wrap Recyclable?
It’s one of the most popular packing materials around when it comes to fragile items. But, is bubble wrap recyclable?
At one point in time, you’d be lucky to recycle plastic bottles!
You might be surprised:
But, nowadays all plastic can be recycled, the problem is, it’s not made very easy due to the cost it takes recycling plastic film. So how do we recycle plastic bubble wrap? And is there a more environmentally friendly version?
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know!
Contents
Can You Put Bubble Wrap In The Blue Recycle Bin?
Unfortunately, it can’t go in your blue recycling bin. That’s mainly for plastic bottles, but that doesn’t mean it’s your only option.
You do have a few solutions when it comes to recycling bubble wrap.
Now, this is a rare option but, some councils do supply curbside recycling, but you need to be pretty lucky.
Your best option is to ring your local council to see if your community recycling program will take bubble wrap from the curbside.
If they do, drop it outside in a plastic bag, and they ‘ll come and take it.
Considering it’s so hard to recycle bubble wrap and other items like plastic film. Then it’s no surprise we’re seeing such a build at landfill sites.
Is Bubble Wrap Environmentally Friendly?
I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but just because it’s recyclable doesn’t mean it’s good for the environment, it’s quite the opposite.
Like most plastic, it’s creating problems on our health and our planets. Whether it’s biodegradable plastic or not, it is still made using harmful toxins. And it’s the same with bubble wrap.
The toxins in the plastic film are still leaching toxins into the food we eat and the water we drink.
To make it worse:
We’re are systematically killing off fish, turtles and many other types of marine wildlife. All due to our careless nature and this needs to stop before it’s too late.
If you’re not ready to make the change for our beautiful eco-system, then why not start cutting down on plastic for you and your children.
An old phrase comes to mind “you are what you eat” think about it for a second.
If our food and our water are being infected by the harmful toxins that plastic leaves behind. Then it should come as no surprise that we are poisoning ourselves with plastic.
We have a few options to get on board with plastic recycling or cut plastic out of our lives forever if we don’t. Or we could be facing some serious issues further down the line.
How To Recycle Bubble Wrap
Before recycling bubble wrap, you have to make sure it clean on any leftover materials:
- Sellotape
- Cardboard
- leftover glue
- Food residue
After all the effort it takes to recycle the thing; the last thing you want is for it to end up in the landfill.
Like I mentioned earlier, you have to be lucky to get curbside recycling. If that option isn’t available to you, then don’t worry, you can still recycle your bubble wrap. So what do you do if that’s not an option for you?
In that case, you could take it with you to the grocery stores. You might not know it, but you can recycle bubble wrap with your plastic bags. The same recycling unit will also accept air pillows.
Recycling bubble wrap and plastic film at your local store is the easiest option. Just stick it all in with the plastic bags, and it will take care of itself.
But what if your local grocery store doesn’t have recycling?
Your other option is going to your local recycling center and see if you can drop it off with them. Unfortunately, not every recycling drop off can take bubble wrap. If your local recycling center doesn’t take it, then go online to find the closest one to you.
If you struggling to recycle it, why not reuse it? Although you do have to fight the temptation not to pop it.
I know it’s hard!
What Can I Use Instead Of Bubble Wrap?
If your businesses involve a lot of shipping then there’s a good chance you use your fair share of bubble wrap, but can you use other materials?
- Styrofoam packing peanuts – Get a lousy wrap; they’re made from plastic after all. But, is styrofoam biodegradable? well luckily there is an option, you can now find them made from cornstarch and other plant-based materials.
- Corrugated wrap – Is made from cardboard, which makes it fully compostable, recyclable, and biodegradable, making it a great alternative.
- Shredded crinkle paper – is made from recycled paper, and like corrugated wrap is compostable and recyclable. But It’s a very cost-effective way of packing your items.
- Mushroom wrap – Made from mushroom roots this is the most eco-friendly packing, although it’s hard to purchase at the moment as not many businesses are using it.
Bubble wrap is the only surprising item you can recycle, check this out!
Don’t forget to comment below if you have any questions.
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