How to Recycle Packaging Peanuts

Plastic polystyrene "peanuts" used for packaging are not recyclable but can be reused many times. Store them year-round in a dry plastic bag and use them for holidays or gift giving.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bubble Wraps
• Packaging Materials
• Packaging Tape
• Packing Peanuts

1. Check with the county you live in by calling the department of public works to determine what materials you can recycle and where. Also call (800) CLEAN-UP for state recycling information.

2. Be sure that the peanuts are indeed plastic before recycling. Some are now made from a vegetable derivative and closely resemble their plastic counterparts. If they disintegrate in water, they are made from vegetable matter.

3. Consider packing up your plastic peanuts and dropping them off at your local packaging store. Most chain stores, such as Mail Boxes Etc., will accept them.

4. Look in the yellow pages under packaging or shipping for more stores that will accept peanuts.

5. Call the Plastic Loosefill Council at [phone] for a list of drop-off centers in your area that will accept plastic peanuts.

6. Contact the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers at [phone] if you are going to be recycling a large quantity.

Tips & Warnings

• Call the American Plastics Council at 800-2-HELP-90 for more information about plastics.