How-To: Recycle Shipping Foam

Recently, a customer requested more information regarding ‘how-to” recycle foam packaging that we use to protect your item during shipping. The foam we use, which is made from Polyethylene (PE), is preferred over protective paper products because it reduces the amount of paper packing material used and it reduces the weight of the entire package. Since we use about a pound of foam per package (rather than five pounds of paper packing material), the weight difference reduces the chance that it might arrive damage.

I started my research on Google using the keywords/phrases “recycle packaging foam” and the company that produces the foam “sealed air”. So I searched, via Google, “how to recycle packaging foam, sealed air” and I found the following websites that help me do some research.

These two websites give you great information regarding recycling the foam materials.

http://www.recyclepefoam.com/
http://www.sealedair.com/enviro/recycle_pefoam.html

Our packaging, albeit very secure, can be very difficult to open. We have left special instructions on the outside of package so our customers can easily that it can be easily opened. Much like a car hood, there is a specific way you can open the box so that it can be reused (for returns or exchanges) or easily recycled. Once you have removed and separated the different packaging materials, follow the following two-step procedure:

Two-step Recycling Procedure:

Try and separate as much foam material from any other packaging materials like tape, plastics, and cardboard (because those can be recycled separately.
Box and ship using a pre-paid label to the nearest PE foam recycling facility:
1. Please visit this link for a recycling center near you.

One special note: “Ship “Recycle PE Foam” to any location in the recycling network. Please mark Attn: Recycle PE Foam on the shipping box. All shipments must be prepaid, COD’s will not be accepted. Polyethylene materials must be free of tape, labels or any foreign materials.”

It is important to remember that not all materials are recyclable. Please check with the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), or other recycling organizations for more information regarding recycling.