Online shopping has made it easier than ever to have everything from groceries to furniture delivered right to your doorstep. Along with that convenience, however, comes a steady stream of cardboard boxes, plastic mailers, bubble wrap and other packaging materials that can quickly pile up at home. While many people want to recycle packaging whenever possible, it is not always clear which materials belong in the recycling bin, which require special handling and which should be thrown away.
Recycling online order packaging does not have to be complicated. Understanding what your local recycling program accepts and how to prepare materials correctly can help keep more recyclable materials out of the landfill while reducing contamination in the recycling stream. Residents in the Tallahassee area can follow local recycling guidelines for accepted materials, while those living elsewhere should check with their community’s recycling program, as requirements may vary.
Why Online Order Packaging Matters
Online shopping has changed the way people purchase everyday items, but it has also increased the amount of packaging entering homes. A single delivery may include a cardboard box, plastic mailer, air pillows, bubble wrap and other protective materials, many of which have different recycling requirements. Without knowing which materials belong in the recycling bin and which require special handling, it is easy for recyclable items to end up in the trash or for non-recyclable materials to contaminate the recycling stream.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, containers and packaging make up the largest category of municipal solid waste generated in the United States. Taking a few extra moments to prepare packaging correctly and follow local recycling guidelines can help recover more recyclable materials and support a more efficient recycling process. For residents in the Tallahassee area, accepted materials can be placed together in a single-stream recycling system, where they are sorted at the recycling facility. Communities outside the area may have different requirements, making it important to check local recycling guidelines before placing materials in the bin.
Not sure where each type of packaging belongs? This quick reference guide breaks down the most common materials and how they should be handled before recycling.
Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard shipping boxes are one of the easiest types of online order packaging to recycle and are accepted through Leon County’s single-stream recycling program. Before placing boxes in the recycling bin, flatten them to save space and remove any large plastic inserts, foam packaging or other non-cardboard materials. Keeping boxes clean and dry also helps improve the recycling process.
While small amounts of tape and shipping labels can typically remain on cardboard boxes, heavily soiled materials, such as greasy pizza boxes or cardboard saturated with food or liquids, should be thrown away rather than recycled. Recycling guidelines can vary by community, so residents outside the Tallahassee area should check their local program’s requirements before placing cardboard in the recycling bin.
Bubble Wrap and Air Pillows
Bubble wrap and air pillows help protect items during shipping, but they are not accepted through most curbside recycling programs because they are made from plastic film. Instead, these materials often need to be taken to a designated plastic film recycling location. Before recycling, make sure air pillows are deflated and that both materials are clean and free of tape, labels or other debris.
Residents should check with their local recycling program, as accepted materials and drop-off options can vary by community. When possible, consider reusing bubble wrap and air pillows for future shipping, storage or moving projects before recycling them.
Plastic Mailers
Many online retailers use lightweight plastic mailers instead of cardboard boxes to reduce shipping costs and protect items from moisture. These mailers are often made from #4 low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a type of plastic film that may require special recycling rather than being placed in a curbside recycling bin.
Before recycling a plastic mailer, remove any labels or enclosed materials and make sure it is clean and empty. Because recycling requirements for plastic film vary by community, always follow your local recycling program’s guidelines. If plastic mailers are not accepted through your curbside program, look for an approved drop-off location or other recycling option available in your area.
Foam and Packing Peanuts
Foam packaging is commonly used to protect fragile items during shipping, but it can also be one of the most difficult packaging materials to recycle. Traditional expanded polystyrene (EPS), often referred to as Styrofoam, is not accepted through most curbside recycling programs and should only be recycled through a designated foam recycling program where available.
Packing peanuts require a closer look before disposal. Traditional foam packing peanuts are generally not recyclable through curbside programs, while biodegradable versions made from cornstarch can often be composted or dissolved in water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the packing peanuts are clean and in good condition, consider reusing them for future shipments or donating them to a local shipping or moving business before throwing them away.
What Happens If You Put the Wrong Item in the Recycling Bin?
Recycling does not have to be an all-or-nothing process. In Tallahassee and Leon County, accepted recyclable materials are collected together through a single-stream recycling system, where paper, cardboard, plastics, metals and glass are sorted at the recycling facility. While this process is designed to make recycling more convenient, it still relies on residents placing only accepted materials in their recycling bins.
Items that are not accepted for recycling can contaminate recyclable materials, slow the sorting process or damage equipment. If you are unsure whether a packaging material belongs in your recycling bin, checking your local recycling guidelines is the best approach. Taking a few extra moments to verify how an item should be recycled helps recover more recyclable materials and supports a more efficient recycling system.
Tips for Preparing Packaging for Recycling
Taking a few extra minutes to prepare packaging before recycling can help improve the recycling process and reduce contamination. Before placing materials in your recycling bin or taking them to a drop-off location, remember to:
- Flatten cardboard boxes to save space in your recycling bin.
- Remove large plastic inserts, foam packaging and other non-cardboard materials from boxes.
- Make sure recyclable materials are clean and free of food residue or excess debris.
- Deflate air pillows before recycling or taking them to a designated drop-off location.
- Keep plastic film, bubble wrap and other specialty packaging separate if they require a drop-off program in your community.
- Reuse packaging materials, such as boxes, bubble wrap and packing peanuts, whenever possible before recycling them.
- Check your local recycling guidelines if you are unsure whether a packaging material is accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recycle online order boxes curbside?
Yes. Clean, dry cardboard shipping boxes are accepted through Leon County’s single-stream recycling program. Flatten boxes before placing them in the recycling bin and remove any large plastic or foam packaging materials from inside. If you live outside the Tallahassee area, check your local recycling guidelines, as requirements may vary.
What should I do with bubble wrap from online orders?
Bubble wrap is typically made from plastic film, which is not accepted through most curbside recycling programs. Depending on where you live, it may be accepted through a designated drop-off program or another specialty recycling option. If the bubble wrap is still in good condition, consider saving it for future shipping or moving projects.
Are plastic mailers recyclable?
Many plastic mailers are made from #4 low-density polyethylene (LDPE), but whether they can be recycled depends on your local recycling program. Some communities offer drop-off locations for plastic film, while others do not. Always check your local guidelines before placing plastic mailers in a recycling bin.
What is the difference between recyclable and compostable packaging?
Recyclable packaging is processed into new products through a recycling facility, while compostable packaging is designed to break down into natural materials under specific composting conditions. Compostable materials should not be placed in recycling bins unless your local program specifically accepts them.
How can I find a recycling or drop-off location near me?
Your local recycling provider or municipal waste department is the best place to start when looking for accepted materials and nearby drop-off locations. Residents in the Tallahassee area can also contact Marpan for information about local recycling services and accepted materials.
About Marpan
Recycling plays an important role in reducing waste and keeping valuable materials in use, but it is most effective when recyclable items are properly collected, sorted and processed. Since 1966, Marpan has helped businesses and communities throughout Tallahassee and North Florida support these efforts through commercial recycling, waste management and debris removal services. With a state-of-the-art recycling facility that recovered more than two billion pounds of material between 2008 and 2022, Marpan is committed to helping build a cleaner, more sustainable community.
In addition to recycling services, Marpan provides customized commercial waste solutions, including dumpsters, roll off containers and compactors, to help businesses improve efficiency and meet their operational needs. Contact Marpan to learn more about the company’s recycling capabilities and commercial waste management services.
