How to Recycle Silica Gel Packets

Start collecting those packets!

Silica Gel Packets are added to all sorts of products that we buy on a regular basis. From shoes to electronics to vitamins, they're widely used to combat excess moisture and mold. Here's a few tips on how to recycle / reuse them around the home.

Things You'll Need

• Silica gel packets

Instructions

1. You may have dozens of silica gel packets in your home right now. Shoes, electronics, power tools, and vitamins are all packaged with silica gel. The Holidays is a great time to start collecting them as many of the gifts opened will have packaging that contains at least one packet.

2. 

   Have important papers or old photos you'd like to protect? Toss a silica gel packet into a ziploc bag filled with your special papers and momentos and store them away.

3. 

   Silver jewelry tarnishing? You can reduce tarnishing on silver jewelry by adding silica gel to each drawer or compartment of a jewelry box.

4. 

   Keep your seeds mold and moisture free till you're ready to plant them. Add a packet of silica gel to each bag or jar of seeds.

5. 

   Want to keep moisture out of Fido's food? Transfer dry dog food from the original bag into a lidded trash can or other storage bin. Tape one or two silica gel packets to the inside of the lid. **Surgical or first aid tape works great! You only need to tape the ends of each packet - leaving the middle section open.

Tips & Warnings

• You can "reactivate" silica gel packets by placing them in a warm oven (176-200 degrees) for 15 minutes.

• Silica gel should not be ingested by people or pets.

Resources

• RecycleAmerica.com
• Earth911.com
• Use-Less-Stuff.com
• ThinkGreen.com
• eHow Going Green Guide