Chloe Zhang
Plastic mailers are a common byproduct of the rise in online shopping. Many people are unsure of how to dispose of them, with most curbside recycling programs not accepting mailers as they can entangle recycling machinery. However, there are ways to recycle them properly, with many grocery and retail stores accepting plastic bags and mailers in drop-off bins.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic mailer types | #2 plastic, high-density polyethylene, #4 plastic, low-density polyethylene, bubble mailers, poly mailers, paper mailers |
| Recycling options | Participating grocery and retail stores, curbside recycling bins, recycling centres, retailers |
| Preparation for recycling | Remove paper/plastic labels, ensure mailer is dry and clean |
| Items that can be recycled with plastic mailers | Bubble wrap, plastic bags, plastic wrappers, plastic films, paper towels, diapers, cereal bags |
| Items that cannot be recycled | Mixed material mailers with paper laminated to bubble wrap |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic mailers can be recycled at specific stores
Once your mailer is ready for drop-off, you can take it to a store that accepts plastic film for recycling. Many grocery stores and big-box retailers like Home Depot, Whole Foods, Target, and Walmart collect plastic bags and wraps for recycling. You can use websites like plasticfilmrecycling.org or How2Recycle's directory to find the nearest drop-off location. These websites also provide information on specific recycling guidelines and accepted materials.
It's worth noting that not all plastic mailers are recyclable. Plastic mailers made of mixed materials, such as paper laminated to bubble wrap, cannot be recycled and should be disposed of in the trash. However, poly mailers, bubble mailers, and padded envelopes are often accepted for recycling at stores.
By taking your plastic mailers to these drop-off locations, you're helping to keep plastic out of landfills and giving it a chance to be recycled into new products like containers, crates, pipes, and even playground equipment. So, while it may take a little extra effort, recycling plastic mailers at specific stores is a worthwhile way to reduce your environmental impact.
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Plastic mailers can be recycled at some curbside programs
To recycle plastic mailers through a curbside program, you should first check the mailer for a recycling symbol to identify its plastic type. Remove any paper labels or shipping labels from the mailer, as these can interfere with the recycling process. Ensure that the mailer is clean and dry before placing it in the recycling bin. Some curbside programs may have specific instructions or requirements for preparing plastic mailers for recycling, so it is important to follow their guidelines.
It is worth mentioning that some curbside programs may only accept certain types of plastic mailers, such as bubble mailers or padded envelopes. These mailers are often made from flexible plastics, similar to those used in grocery bags, produce bags, or plastic wrappers. By separating the plastic components from any mixed materials, such as paper or bubble wrap, you can increase the chances of successful recycling.
Additionally, some curbside recycling programs may have drop-off locations or collection points specifically for plastic mailers and other plastic films. These drop-off locations are often found at participating grocery stores or retail centers, providing a convenient way to recycle plastic mailers separately from other recyclables. It is always a good idea to check with your local curbside program to understand their specific processes and requirements for recycling plastic mailers.
Properly recycling plastic mailers through curbside programs helps keep them out of landfills and reduces the environmental impact of online shopping. By following the guidelines provided by your local recycling program, you can ensure that your plastic mailers are recycled responsibly and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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Plastic mailers can be reused for shipping
Before reusing a plastic mailer, check if your local curbside recycling program accepts plastic mailers. Many curbside recycling programs do not accept mailers as they can entangle recycling machinery. However, some programs may specify that they accept rigid plastic mailers, such as those made from #2 or #4 plastic. These plastics are typically used for plastic bottles and are less likely to cause complications in recycling machinery.
If your local curbside recycling program does not accept plastic mailers, you can take them to a recycling drop-off bin at participating grocery or retail stores. Stores like Home Depot, Whole Foods, and Target accept plastic mailers in their drop-off bins. Before dropping off your mailers, check for any specific requirements, such as ensuring they are clean and dry and removing any paper labels.
By reusing and recycling plastic mailers, you can help keep them out of landfills and reduce the environmental impact of e-commerce. Properly disposing of plastic mailers ensures they can be given a new life as other plastic products.
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Plastic mailers can be recycled with other plastic films
Many stores now act as collection points for this type of recyclable plastic. For example, grocery stores that offer to recycle grocery bags will also accept other types of plastic bags. Some specific stores that accept plastic mailers include Home Depot, Whole Foods, and Target.
It's worth noting that bubble wrap can also be recycled alongside plastic bags if it is separate from the mailer. Mixed-material mailers with paper laminated to bubble wrap cannot be recycled and should be disposed of in the trash.
Recycling plastic mailers and other plastic films properly helps keep them out of landfills and reduces the environmental impact of online shopping. The recycled plastic can be used to create new products such as containers, crates, pipes, railroad ties, and new bags and films.
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Plastic mailers can be recycled into new products
To recycle plastic mailers, first, remove any paper labels by cutting them out and disposing of them in the trash. Make sure your mailer is dry and clean before recycling. You can then take your plastic mailers to a recycling drop-off bin at participating grocery and retail stores. Examples of stores that accept plastic mailers include Home Depot, Whole Foods, and Target. You can find the closest store to you using Earth911's search locator or How2Recycle's directory.
After collection, the flexible plastic is baled and sold to independent companies. The plastic is then turned into tiny plastic pellets, which can be recycled into synthetic lumber for decking or park benches. These pellets can also be recycled directly into another film, pouch, or bag form.
Recycling plastic mailers helps to keep them out of landfills and waterways, reducing the environmental impact of online shopping.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic mailers can be recycled. However, most curbside recycling programs do not accept mailers as they can entangle recycling machinery.
Plastic mailers can be recycled at many grocery or big box stores that accept plastic bags. Examples include Home Depot, Whole Foods, and Target. You can find the closest store to you using Earth911's search locator or How2Recycle’s directory.
Before dropping off your plastic mailer, make sure it is clean and dry. Remove any paper shipping labels by cutting them out with scissors and disposing of them in the trash.
Plastic mailers are recycled into containers, crates, pipes, railroad ties, and new bags and films. They can also be recycled into durable composite lumber for fences, benches, decks, doors, and window frames.
