How to Recycle Packing Peanuts

They are really fun to play with and kids absolutely love them. The reference here is for packing peanuts. You must have seen them in packages that contain delicate items. These packing peanuts act as cushioning materials just like crushed wrapping paper, but with the added benefit that they are better at filling up voids. 

Packing peanuts are made up of expanded polystyrene (a.k.a plastic #6),and is really helpful in keeping the contents of the package intact. But the widespread usage of this cushioning material gives nightmares to recyclers as it is unclear whether the material can be recycled in the first place. The reason behind the confusion lies in the fact that the peanuts are made from polystyrene and this could make it unrecyclable. But this is not the case!

EPS is recyclable and there are processes which can make the most optimal usage of the material. The issue lies in the acceptance of the material where most curbside options refuse to accept it. Moreover, it is also possible that there might be limited recycling facilities in your region. In case you are not able to get access to either drop off / curbside facility, then you can use a mail back program to ensure that the material is disposed properly. 

The light weight of the peanuts makes it feasible to ship it to a regional recycling facility. But most people would not consider this option. It is more convenient for them to drop off the materials at a local facility. The world has not advanced to a stage where people would go to such lengths to ensure ecological protection. 

In such cases, the most viable option is re-using the packing peanuts. There is nothing complex about reusing it. Just collect all the peanuts from the package in which they arrive and then fill them in the package that you wish to send. If you do not have any use for it, then you can always donate it to the local shipping stores as this would reduce the requirement for using fresh packing peanuts for the packages. 

Always make it a point to conserve such material as much as possible because they can be put to good use and you would play your part in contributing towards encouraging green initiatives.