Bubble wrap is a pliable, transparent plastic material used for packing items. One of the enjoyable parts of unwrapping packages is popping the air bubbles in the plastic bubble wrap. Since bubble wrap was invented, it has helped to prevent massive damage to fragile goods. There is no doubt about its usage, but if you are an environmentally aware person, you may be wondering if bubble wrap is recyclable. This article illustrates what to do with bubble wrap other than pop it and throw it away.

Is Bubble Warp Recyclable?

Although bubble wrap is entirely recyclable, it cannot be sorted with the rest of your household waste recycling and commercial recycling or dumped at the curb. Bubble wrap, in particular, is classified as RIC #4, indicating that it is made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Plastic waste matching this category and made of these materials shouldn’t usually be recycled at the curb.

Generally, plastics are considered contaminants in the recycling system. As a result, soft LDPEs, including bubble wrap, can jam machinery used in plastic recycling, putting the equipment as well as recyclers at risk.

How to Recycle Bubble Wrap?

Make sure of the following before recycling bubble wrap:

1. Eliminate every air bubble.

2. Look for a recycling facility that will take bubble wrap.

3. Reuse non-recyclable packing materials.

If you follow this and recycle more bubble wrap, you can control the plastic waste that is dumped into landfills and oceans.

How Do You Dispose of Bubble Wrap?

You have purchased a package at least once in your life. If this is the case, you have probably noticed that the package has been further protected by bubble wrap. Reusing or recycling bubble wrap is one of the most typical methods of disposal. You can use it again to ship a package yourself or to keep specific goods safe.

Bubble wrap is used in many entertaining DIY projects, and it can be used to create a variety of art and home furnishings. Asking around will almost certainly lead you to a friend who needs help if you are unable to locate any effective ways to reuse old bubble wrap. Disposing of bubble wrap in the recycling bin is not the end of the world, but it should be your last choice.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Bubble Wrap

Here are a few environmentally friendly alternatives to bubble wrap:

1. Reusable Bags

Many reusable bags are available for purchase. They can be made from cloth or other materials.

2. Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts degrade quickly and are not harmful to the environment. When you are done with them, you can recycle or compost them.

3. Air Cushions

It may be recycled with other paper items because they are made of paper and air.

There are many bubble wrap alternatives available on the market. Some are composed of reusable items, while others are biodegradable.

Conclusion

While bubble wrap is a wonderful invention that has prevented many fragile glass and ceramic bowls from breaking, it has some problems, such as not decomposing. Although this problem is critical, the greater problem is that bubble wrap cannot be recycled since it is so sensitive. Unless your local recycling center accepts bubble wrap, never throw it in your recycling because it will most likely be destroyed and end up in a landfill.