Recycling Dilemma: Online Shopping Packages & Mailers

A cardboard box package on a front door step

Shopping from the comfort of your home in your PJs is easy. Deciphering what to do with all the packaging that comes with those fabulous purchases is the hard part. With envelopes made of paper or plastic, lined with bubble-wrap, or filled with Styrofoam – it’s like opening pandora’s box every time you get a package. Check out these tips to learn how to dispose of online shopping waste wisely.

Recycle at Home

Paper mailer with newspaper padding exposed next to a flat paper mailer

Paper mailer with newspaper padding exposed next to a flat paper mailer

Flat Paper & Padded Paper Envelopes

  • When a paper envelope is stuffed with corrugated cardboard or newspaper pulp, it can be recycled curbside. Both inside and outside must be paper products.

  • Tip: Check for a chasing arrows symbol with recycling instructions or tear to ensure there is only paper inside.

Cardboard Boxes

Tissue & Packing Paper

  • Plain packing and tissue paper is recyclable unless embedded with other materials.

  • Tip: If the tissue paper is embossed with glitter or metal, reuse it or trash it. 

Recycle at the Store

Plastic film bubble mailer next to a plain plastic film mailer

Plastic film bubble mailer next to a plain plastic film mailer

Air Pillows, Bubble Wrap, & Plastic Bags

  • Plastic films should never be put in curbside recycling. However, plastic film items like air pillows, bubble wrap, and plastic bags can be recycled at the grocery store.

  • Tip: Gently pop air pillows prior to disposal at the store.

Plastic Film Envelopes

  • Plastic film envelopes and plastic mailers lined with bubble wrap are recyclable at the store.

  • Tip: Check for a chasing arrows symbol with recycling instructions for a “plastic film” designation. 

Trash

Compostable mailer that says Hey! Im a 100 compostable mailer next to a paper mailer lined with bubble wrap

Compostable mailer that says “Hey! I’m a 100% compostable mailer” next to a paper mailer lined with bubble wrap

Foam Padding & Peanuts

  • Styrofoam cannot be recycled in our curbside program.

  • Tip: Reuse peanuts and padding for packing delicate items.

Compostable Corn Mailers & Peanuts

  • Compostable corn plastics are not recyclable.  

  • Tip: Compostables can only be composted at a commercial composting facility. Corn peanuts can be dissolved in water.

Paper Envelopes with Bubble Wrap or Styrofoam Padding

  • If a mailing envelope is made of multiple materials, such as a paper shell and plastic bubble wrap padding, it cannot be recycled. Mailers containing any amount of foam are trash as well.

  • Tip: Sometimes, mailer disposal is confusing. When in doubt, throw it out!

Silica Gel Packets

  • Gel packets cannot be recycled.

  • Tip: Try reusing them to keep important documents and pictures dry or throw them away.

Looking for Ways to Reduce Packaging from Online Purchases?

  • Try filling your online cart throughout the week and combining purchases into one weekly delivery. Choose "product packaging" to reduce extra boxes. 

  • Consider shopping at stores that use thoughtful packaging materials. As this concept becomes more mainstream, the demand will increase and gain popularity! 

  • Choose ground delivery to reduce air travel. This option can save you a bit of money and reduce the carbon footprint of your package.  

  • Shop at local businesses and bring your own bag or containers.

Recycling can be easy with our new Recycle Right online widget! Simply type in the item you’d like to dispose of, and we’ll tell you exactly what to do with it. 

For more information, contact the Environmental Services Department at enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or 281-210-3800.

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