In today’s world, packages at our doorstep have become a common occurrence, and items such as mailing envelopes seem to be ever-changing. With envelopes made of paper or plastic, lined with bubble-wrap, or filled with Styrofoam – it’s like opening pandora’s box every time you get a package in an envelope. This leads to the common question, “Can I recycle this?” There isn’t a hard and fast rule for all mailing envelopes, but this guide will help you discern which belong in your curbside cart, which ones should be recycled with plastic bags at the store and which ones are, unfortunately, trash. Of course, you can always get a little more life out of your envelopes by reusing them to mail treasures (or returns!) or pad fragile items.
Navigating the challenge of proper mailer disposal can feel challenging, but anyone can do it! By considering the outer and inner materials, you’ll soon know what materials belong where in a snap. Here is our step-by-step guide for determining if your mailing envelope is recyclable, and where:
- Determine the material(s) that make up the outside of the envelope. The outer shell of padded mailing envelopes is typically made from plastic film or paper. If the envelope is only made from paper, it can be recycled in your curbside cart. Mailers made of only plastic film can be recycled at your local grocery store where shopping bags are accepted. Are you unsure if your mailer is made of plastic film? Try and stretch the material – typically, if it stretches, this is a type of plastic that can be recycled like grocery bags.
- Determine what material(s) are inside the envelope. The padding inside your envelope is a crucial part of the answer to “Can I recycle this?” Styrofoam inserts are never recyclable, but newspaper pulp or corrugated paper padding, as well as bubble wrap, can be recycled in some situations. It’s important to assess what’s in your envelope, but hold off on making a decision about recycling until you compare the outer and inner envelope materials.
- Ask yourself, “Do the outside and inside materials match?” Items cannot be recycled if they are made of more than one type of material – a padded envelope must be made of all plastic film or all paper in order to enter a recycling stream. If your envelope is paper and its padding is made of newspaper pulp (soft, gray padding often seen in paper mailers) or corrugated paper padding, you are free to recycle the envelope like any other paper product in your recycling cart. If the envelope is made of stretchy plastic film and has bubble wrap padding, your envelope can be recycled at the local grocery store where shopping bags are accepted. However, if your envelope is made of paper and has bubble wrap padding, because these are two different materials (known as a mixed commodity), the mailing envelope must go in the trash. The same applies to any mailer with Styrofoam in it, as Styrofoam cannot be recycled curbside. Here’s a tip: if you’re not sure if something can be recycled, check for a chasing arrows symbol and explanation of recycling procedures. Many packages now have QR codes to assist in navigating recycling dilemmas. Remember: when in doubt, throw it out!
- If you’re still not sure where to start with this recycling dilemma, try out our decision tree below!
Are you an avid online shopper navigating the challenge of recycling boxes and miscellaneous packaging? Check out Recycling Dilemma #1006 for a guide to every padding and packaging option you might encounter. If you have any questions about where or how to dispose any materials, please feel free to reach out to the Environmental Services Department at enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or 281-210-3800. We are happy to answer your questions regarding local recycling options!
Got more recycling dilemmas? Check out these previous posts:
- Recycling Dilemma #1014: Fixer Uppers
- Recycling Dilemma #1013: A Guide to Storm Debris During Hurricane Season
- Recycling Dilemma #1012: Time to Upgrade? What to Do With Your Old Electronics
- Recycling Dilemma #1011: Batteries: Where Do They Belong?
- Recycling Dilemma #1010: Threadbare Clothes and Outgrown Shoes: Let’s Give Them a New Life!
- Recycling Dilemma #1009: Caution, that Pizza Box is Cheesy!
- Recycling Dilemma #1008: Plastic Bags and Film – Friend or Foe?
- Recycling Dilemma #1007 – K-Cups: How to Stay Caffeinated Sustainably
- Recycling Dilemma #1006 – Online Shopping: What to Do with All of Those Packages!
- Recycling Dilemma #1005 – Take-Out Containers - Where Do They Belong?
- Recycling Dilemma #1004 – Recyclables: To Bag or Not to Bag
- Recycling Dilemma #1003 – Moving Boxes and Oversized Cardboard: Give Them Another Trip!
- Recycling Dilemma #1002 – Got Stuff? Declutter Sustainably!
- Recycling Dilemma #1001 – Is That Recyclable? Cut Out Contamination
