[PL] Where to dispose of bubble wrap?

Bubble wrap is a popular protective material, particularly useful when packing fragile items. However, what to do once it has served its purpose? Then there is the question of where to dispose of the bubble wrap and whether it can be reused or recycled. Correct separation of plastic waste, including bubble wrap, is key to protecting the environment. So check out everything worth knowing about it.

Is bubble wrap recyclable?

Bubble wrap consists mainly of polyethylene – a plastic that can be recycled. However, for this process to run smoothly, the film must be in the right condition. Clean and undamaged bubble wrap can be processed in recycling plants, where it is converted into plastic pellets. These granules are then used to produce new plastic articles: from packaging to building components.

It is also worth noting that bubble wrap, although made of polyethylene, is lightweight, which means that its production consumes fewer energy resources than heavier plastics.

Bubble wrap – what container can it be disposed of in?

But what if you want to throw bubble wrap in the bin? In which container should it go? Choose the one for plastics (yellow). If, on the other hand, you have a larger amount of bubble wrap, for example after a move or a large delivery, it is always worth checking whether your local recycling facilities offer special collection points for this type of waste.

However, it is important that the discarded film is clean and dry, as this increases the chance of it being recycled. The recycling process becomes more complicated when the film is dirty or mixed with other materials, such as paper. What can you do with it then?

What should you bear in mind before disposing of bubble wrap?

Before you throw away bubble wrap, make sure it is properly prepared for recycling. First of all, it needs to be clean – dirt such as glue residues, adhesive tape or labels can hinder the recycling process.

If the film has been used to package items and is in good condition, consider reusing it. Long-term use of the same piece of film is a simple way to reduce your environmental impact. It can be used to protect other items, both at home and at work, reducing waste. If you don’t have an idea of what such film will be useful for, read our guide: how to use bubble wrap waste.

Where to dispose of bubble wrap envelopes?

Bubble wrap envelopesBubble wrap envelopes, which are usually used to ship fragile items, present a challenge when it comes to their disposal. They are multi-material packaging, consisting of paper and foil, which complicates the separation process. So what can be done with them?

The best solution is to separate the layers – you can dispose of the paper part in the waste paper bin and the bubble wrap in the plastic bin. If this is not possible, the envelopes with bubble wrap should go into mixed waste, as combining different materials prevents them from being easily recycled. The bin for this type of waste is usually brown in colour.

Soiled bubble wrap – where should I dispose of it?

Soiled bubble wrap, especially that which has glue, paper or other hard-to-remove contaminants on it, should not go in the plastics bin. This type of film is not suitable for recycling, as the contamination can hinder the processing of raw materials. Therefore, soiled bubble wrap should be disposed of in mixed waste.

With the above tips, the process of disposing of bubble wrap will become much simpler. It is worth following them to contribute to the care of the environment. Segregating your materials will only take you a moment and will bring you many benefits.