Consider this – you’ve just unpacked a fragile shipment – now you’re left with bubble wrap that protected your goods. Being extremely lightweight, bubble wrap is a valuable packaging product and helps keep shipping costs low while protecting what’s inside. But what do you do with it once it’s served its purpose? Here’s how you can recycle bubble wrap properly and keep it out of the landfill.
Can You Recycle Bubble Wrap
Yes – but not in your standard curbside bin.
Bubble wrap is considered a flexible plastic film, typically made from polyethylene (PE), which is recyclable through special film recycling programs. Film recycling is generally not accepted for curbside recycling. Tossing your bubble wrap in the blue bin can actually mess up the recycling process for all the other items that can be recycled this way.
How Do You Recycle It?
- Store Drop-off: Many grocery stores (think Target, Walmart, Kroger, and even your local chain) have bins for plastic film recycling.
- Municipal Depot: Some municipalities have their own managed locations that residents can take their films to directly.
- Subscription Services: Some companies, like Ridwell, offer doorstep pickup or mail-in for plastic film.
- Specialty Curbside Recycling: Some communities do offer a specific curbside film recycling program, like Hefty ReNew™, allow consumers to fill designated receptacles and leave outside their home for pickup, like standard curbside recycling.
Find out what film recycling options are available for you, including your closest Store Drop-off using our Map Tool.
Prep Before You Drop
- Remove Any Labels: If your bubble wrap has any labels that have been adhered, cut these out and throw them in the trash. Because the labels are made of a different material than the film, it can prevent the film from being recycled properly.
- Bundle Your Film: No matter how you’re recycling your film, it’s most efficient to gather a lot of items together. You can do this in a plastic shopping bag or your designated film recycling receptacle. Recycling in bulk not only saves time but also supports better recycling practices.
- Keep It Clean and Dry: If your bubble wrap is dirty, give it a rinse and then leave it to dry before dropping it off for recycling.
What Happens to Recycled Bubble Wrap?
When processed through film recycling programs, these flexible plastics are given a second life as useful products, including:
- Composite Decking & Lumber: Construction materials are one of the most common end markets for recycled films.
- Garbage Bags & Liners: Many trash bags and can liners are made with recycled film content.
- Product Overwrap: The clear plastic wrap you see around cases of water bottles, paper towels, or other bulk items often contains recycled film.
- Other Uses: Recycled film can also be used in playground equipment, park benches, and even new plastic bags.
Bubble wrap recycling takes a little extra effort, but it’s worth it. By removing tape, bundling, and using designated drop-off locations, you ensure these materials are processed correctly and kept out of landfills.
