Edit Article

Edited by Maluniu, Jordan, VermontGal

Made of polystyrene, white and pink packing peanuts can take hundreds of years to decompose. They can be a problem for any recipient of a package containing them. The peanuts are lightweight and, thus, easily scatter and blow away. Unless they have been treated against static electricity (the pink ones), they will cling to clothes and other fabrics. Knowing how to recycle packing peanuts is a way you can avoid adding them to landfills or having them accumulate around your home.

Ad

EditSteps

  1. Recycle Packing Peanuts Step 1.jpg
    1
    Insist that companies with which you do business use the biodegradable type of packing peanuts. These green colored peanuts are made from vegetable starches and will dissolve in water. Also ask if your package might be padded with shredded newspaper or other eco-friendly material instead of the packing peanuts.
    Ad
  2. Recycle Packing Peanuts Step 2.jpg
    2
    Reuse your packing peanuts. Store them in an old pair of pantyhose to keep them contained and use them when you mail a package.
  3. Recycle Packing Peanuts Step 3.jpg
    3
    Inquire at businesses that do lots of shipping if they will take your packing peanuts. Moving companies might also agree to take them. Recycling packing peanuts is a way to get them out of your home and make them useful to others.
  4. Recycle Packing Peanuts Step 4.jpg
    4
    Substitute polystyrene packing peanuts for gravel in the bottom of a planter. They will allow your plant to drain properly and are hidden from view. Because they are very light in weight, they will also make the planter easier to move and lift.
  5. Recycle Packing Peanuts Step 5.jpg
    5
    Keep your keys from sinking when you are out on the water by threading a few polystyrene packing peanuts through your keychain. They will help keep your keys afloat.
  6. Recycle Packing Peanuts Step 6.jpg
    6
    Stuff a zippered pillowcase with packing peanuts to make a cushion for your pet. It will provide a lightweight cool place for your pet to rest. You can also use them as fillers for bean bag chairs substitutes.
  7. Recycle Packing Peanuts Step 7.jpg
    7
    Sew packing peanuts into costumes at Halloween or other holidays. Use them to make a fat belly, rippling muscles, or to stuff a scarecrow. The light weight makes them easy for children to wear.
  8. Recycle Packing Peanuts Step 8.jpg
    8
    Decorate your Christmas tree with packing peanuts rather than popcorn. You can even strong them together like you would popcorn, and add glitter or color to make them more festive.
  9. Recycle Packing Peanuts Step 9.jpg
    9
    Insulate an ice chest with a zipper-locked plastic bag filled with packing peanuts. The ice in the cooler will last longer and the contents will stay cold longer. Use a small zip-closure plastic storage bag filled with packing peanuts and ice as a way to keep food cool in a lunch bag.
  10. Recycle Packing Peanuts Step 10.jpg
    10
    Glue a small magnet to a packing peanut and attach it to your refrigerator. Use a pin to attach notes and lists.
  11. Recycle Packing Peanuts Step 11.jpg
    11
    Stamp pages of scrapbooks or homemade cards with packing peanuts dipped in paint. Many of the peanuts already resemble letters or you can cut them into shapes.
    Ad


Add your own method
Save

EditWarnings

  • Avoid using packing peanuts for building insulation as they are not treated with flame retardant.
  • Avoid throwing packing peanuts into your garbage can where they will add to the local landfill. Some recycling centers will take them.


EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Recycle Styrofoam

How to
Make a Pinboard from Unwanted Polystyrene

How to
Remove Packing Peanuts Without the Mess

EditSources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Reduce Recycle and Reuse

Recent edits by: Jordan, Maluniu

Ad

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 10,781 times.

Was this article accurate?

YesNo

Contribute
to wikiHow!

Edit this article