As of now, there’s a growing concern about living in an unfriendly environment. That being the case, businesses and consumers alike are renewing their contracts and commitment to special waste disposal. Recycling is arguably the best option to think of as far as sustainable life is your thing.
Studies show that recycling is a meaningful method to keep waste out of bins and landfills. Of course, this will result in a better environment to live in. If we want to preserve our planet, it’s high time we know how to practice the best waste disposal methods.
Well, all types of plastic goods like bottles are recyclable and reusable. The significant population do like the soft plastic material for packaging and shipping – that’s bubble wrap.
The material offers a protective layer to valuable goods, especially electronics.
But how can you dispose of or recycle bubble wrap?
It’s doable. Bubble wrap recyclable and reusable. So, avoid throwing your bubble wrap into your bin. Don’t be in a hurry to do it.
Some vital things should be at your fingertips. That’s the only way you can go greener.
What is a Bubble Wrap?
It’s a transparent plastic material designed to protect fragile goods. It features small air cushions, which are regularly spaced.
Bubble Companies use wraps to pack those valuable goods that you know – probably you’ve come across it in your daily activities.
Bubble wrap keeps items not only safe but also secure during transit. They say that it’s one of the good insulators against impacts.
What is Bubble Wrap Made From?
We all know that bubble wraps are recyclable, but how is this possible? It could be the materials they’re made from.
It’s made out of polyethylene film – a thin, soft, and low-density material. That’s why it’s readily recycled as long as it’s clean and dry.
Plastic bags are also made from the same material. The thin, soft plastic film is relatively strong and flexible, hence an ideal choice for protecting and shipping items.
With most people now switching to environmentally friendly, sustainably sourced are outperforming their competitors.
Even small businesses are seeking eco-friendly life when it comes to their protective packing and packaging.
However, super-quality plastic films like LDPE films tend to be resistant to recycling. They can clog in the recycling plant and get tangled in the machines involved because of their tensile strength.
This may cause injuries to workers or damage the equipment.
It’s worth mentioning that 99% of recycling programs discourage these materials’ disposal in standard curbside landfills.
If you must do it, then it’s advisable to place all forms of recyclables, cardboard, glass, rubber, paper in a single recycling bin for collection.
How to recycle bubble wrap
As seen, the bubble plastic film can clog the equipment if it’s not well disposed of appropriately. Make sure you dispose of the waste at your nearest drop-off location. Look out for any recycling area near you.
To ensure the best recycling process, here is what to do:
- Check out the recycling drop-off point that accepts bubble wrap
- Pop all the air bubbles
- Recycling isn’t easy – reuse these packaging materials
Never put bubble wraps in a standard curbside waste bin. Doing so will cause extreme contamination, allowing everything to end up in oceans and landfills. At times, the department involved can penalize you.
In the US, there are thousands of recycling drop-off locations. You can’t miss one near grocery stores and shopping centers.
To ensure the balance between quality and effectiveness, it’s always good to choose suitable packaging materials.
Can you reuse Bubble wrap?
Is reusing the best idea? Yes, you can reuse bubble wrap. It’s indeed the most economical and more straightforward solution to our environment than recycling it.
You can use the material again and again unless it’s contaminated or damaged.
As you unpack the goods, check whether the sealed air bubbles are in good condition. If they’re intact, then keep the bubble wrap for subsequent use.
Bubble wrap has numerous applications. We appreciate its flexibility, cushioning, and insulating properties. If the wrap is safe, you can use it again to:
- Pack your fragile goods when moving
- Package items for shipping
- Wrap breakable items and cushion them at your facility
- Reuse it to insulate windows during misty seasons
- Protect plants during winter and hot conditions
- You can align it in the drawer or cabinet to keep your vegetables and fruits safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put plastic wrap in the recycle bin?
Wraps, films, and plastic bags aren’t easy to recycle in curbside recycling bins.
The best move is to take some to the nearest stores where they accept plastic materials for recycling. Should you find any package with the label ‘How2Recycle Store Drop-Off’, then it’s a recyclable material.
Can you throw away bubble wrap?
Depending on the condition, you may feel that you don’t want to reuse or repurpose it again. Why not recycle it? But before you take further action, there are things to point out about bubble wrap.
Note that bubble wrap is thin and soft plastic. This material is a contaminator in the recycling system. Take caution!
Why is Bubble Wrap bad for the environment?
Environmental sustainability should be our number one priority. Although quality comes first, people should avoid any degradation or depletion of natural resources. Toxic waste is a big problem.
Plastic film is ecologically toxic and can take many years to break down in landfills. Substitutes that take a few months to break down are available.
What is the eco-friendly alternative to bubble wrap?
An inflated air pillow is an excellent choice for bubble wrap. They feature recycled materials, making them both cost-saving and eco-friendly alternatives. Some brands use them to fill in voids in the boxes.
Bottom line
I have ever wondered how you can recycle bubble wrap? Or maybe you want to get rid of it.
Now you have the solution. Surely you can’t keep off from using bubble wrap as it is the most popular packaging material.
For a sustainable life, choose the correct bin or find the drop-off center for plastic film and bags near you.
