What do you do with the packing peanuts you get in packages? We get alot of boxes that have these things in them and I hate to just put them in the trash.
Since we don't mail out alot boxes we can not use all of them.
Any ideas?
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Packing Peanuts
Started by Pat, Apr 19 2012 01:56 PM
22 replies to this topic
#2
Posted 19 April 2012 - 02:41 PM
Well, that depends what they are made of. There is a certain type these days made from rice. I eat them! If you have the space, you can store them "for later". I hear some people use them in the garden or for crafts. You can use them to hoId nails in place so you don't hit your finger. They make reasonable applicators for glue - I wouldn't recommend using them for make-up! I wonder if they make good pet litter? Some people use them to make pet cushions or stuff their bean bags. What does your local recycling center suggest?
#3
Posted 19 April 2012 - 03:03 PM
Most shipping places, ups/fedex and the post office will take them back for reuse.Call first.
I get some occasionally, not enough to worry about, so I use them in the bottom of planters. It blocks
the drainage holes so the soil doesn't wash away, and they're not as heavy as rocks people used to use.
I get some occasionally, not enough to worry about, so I use them in the bottom of planters. It blocks
the drainage holes so the soil doesn't wash away, and they're not as heavy as rocks people used to use.
#4
Posted 22 April 2012 - 10:29 AM
I don't really get any myself, but checking with local businesses sounds like a great idea to see if they will take them back or if would use them. If you do not live close enough to FedEx or UPS, ask any other local businesses that do shipping. Even if there are any local manufactures that produce items to ship. I am sure they would like to have a donation of them instead of having to purchase them.
Too bad there isn't another thing that shipping companies can use to keep contents in place. Or maybe companies can set up a "recycling place" at their buildings to re-use them.
Too bad there isn't another thing that shipping companies can use to keep contents in place. Or maybe companies can set up a "recycling place" at their buildings to re-use them.
#5
Posted 22 April 2012 - 10:37 PM
There are a couple of shipping companies close to me that take them. What's nice is they'll take them in any amount, just hand them a bag and they smile and say thanks. Makes it so easy. I really loved it when they started doing that and that's all I ever do with them now.
#6
Posted 23 April 2012 - 09:17 AM
Aside from covering someone you don't like inglue, and pushing them onto a small hill made of packing peanuts, I never came up with anything praticle to do with these things.I guess you could see if the art teach at a grade school wants them.
#8
Posted 27 June 2012 - 03:50 PM
In addition to companies often times universities that have large departments with frequent shipments will take them as well!
It could also be engaging to get in touch with a professor to see if a student would be willing to start that up as an easy service project to better the community!
I'm sure with all the peanuts they get in on a regular basis sending a few extra here and there from homes would be no different.
So I would check websites of nearby universities and see which departments are largest. I know sciences often get packages that contain their chemicals and lab equipment, which almost always comes with packing peanuts of some type.
If the stuffing is made of vermiculite (a brown grainy or flaky type paper stuffing) the labs find it is great to keep aside and stored for spills. Basically it is a cheaper version of kitty litter, although it does not have the odor absorbing properties. It sure would make sweeping up the spilled milk easier however!
It could also be engaging to get in touch with a professor to see if a student would be willing to start that up as an easy service project to better the community!
I'm sure with all the peanuts they get in on a regular basis sending a few extra here and there from homes would be no different.
So I would check websites of nearby universities and see which departments are largest. I know sciences often get packages that contain their chemicals and lab equipment, which almost always comes with packing peanuts of some type.
If the stuffing is made of vermiculite (a brown grainy or flaky type paper stuffing) the labs find it is great to keep aside and stored for spills. Basically it is a cheaper version of kitty litter, although it does not have the odor absorbing properties. It sure would make sweeping up the spilled milk easier however!
#11
Posted 28 June 2012 - 06:21 AM
I haven't had anything come with the foam peanuts for a very long time. If I do get any, I just use them in the bottom of potted plants. We do get a lot of the air bag wraps. My kids used to put them on the floor and stomp on them to pop the air bags. After the were finished having their fun with them, we would toss them into the recycle bin.
#14
Posted 29 June 2012 - 04:01 PM
Seeing how I receive shipments but I also send shipments, I always keep the excess supply of packing peanuts that I get for when I decide to ship items out that can be damaged without some sort of protection. This way not only am I recycling/reusing them, they also benefit me and my business as well.
#15
Posted 30 June 2012 - 12:03 AM
Depends on the type of package. if its box, I can reuse it as a storage for some other stuffs or reuse it as gift box or shipping box too. Air filled plastic bags can also be reused for storing fragile items and stuffs.
#16
Posted 30 June 2012 - 06:22 AM
Shortpoet-GTD, on 28 June 2012 - 03:37 AM, said:
On air retail sellers have switched to those air filled plastic "puff" bags, and those can be recycled with other
plastic bags at most grocers and wal-mart.
plastic bags at most grocers and wal-mart.
Oh! This makes sense! I was wondering the reason why the use of the air bags all of a sudden. Didn't realize those could be recycled with the grocery store plastic bags. I will have to look into this now. I have been popping them and throwing them away at work when we get in shipments. I will have to modify our disposal practices now.
Using them for storage is an excellent idea! I never considered that one! Genius suggestion to store a lot of my vases I keep.
#17
Posted 02 July 2012 - 10:18 AM
I really don't get too many items shipped to me, and I rarely send out packages that may need them. So I mostly just throw them out. It's helpful information to see that companies are willing to take them back for reuse though so I'm glad I found that out in this thread. If I get an increase in rate of packages shipped I will certainly start calling those companies to return them for reuse or try to find another way to use them.
#18
Posted 23 July 2012 - 12:19 PM
I didn't know companies still used those, let alone that they were even still made. Any items I receive have the plastic air bag things in them. I would suggest finding shipping places that still use them, or donate them to the people that ship care packages to the people in the Military. They could use them.
#20
Posted 24 July 2012 - 05:23 PM
I haven't had a box with the peanuts in quite some time. It's usually the air bags or they'll pack the box so well, that they don't put anything in there. I know Soap.com will throw stuff in with your toilet paper and let that be the cushioning.
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