What to do with styrafoam packing peanuts?

Question

I got a huge box full and I don't want to just throw them in the trash for environmental reasons, are they recyclicable?

Answer 1

The good news here is that companies are using packing peanuts less-and-less each year.  Amazon and Land's End have eliminated them entirely.  Right now almost all FedEx and UPS stores will gladly take your packaging material in to be reused -- I'm not sure "recycled" is the right term here.

I know a few retailers will even leave them out of your shipment if you request that on the order form.  The best thing you can use as packing material today is crushed up newspaper.

Answer 2

Those things are horrible!!  I do a lot of online shopping and I really just wish companies would stop using them or that they would just be banned.  Try to reuse them--You can take them to places like the UPS store or Mailboxes, Etc. (call first)--I'm pretty sure that they take them to reuse.  Or post them on Freecycle if you have one of those in your neighborhood...there are always people who need those to ship packages and stuff.

Answer 3

Try soaking one or two in water.   Some of the round ones are actually made of starch and will biodegrade.   Otherwise, dump them in your attic to add insulation or put them on freecycle.com for someone else to use.

Answer 4

Go to a business and offer them for reuse. I never throw them out and always find a second user. I hate the d**n things.