Biodegradable packing peanuts are made from materials that will break down over time, typically through the action of microorganisms. They are a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional packing peanuts made from plastic, but they can still pose a problem if they end up in the wrong place. Here are a few ways you can dispose of biodegradable packing peanuts:
- Reuse them: If you have received a package that uses biodegradable packing peanuts, you can often reuse them for your shipping needs. Collect and store them in a dry place until you need to use them again.
- Compost them: Biodegradable packing peanuts can be composted with other organic materials, such as food scraps and yard waste. They will break down over time and enrich your garden or landscaping soil.
- Dispose of them in a designated bin: Many shipping and packing supply stores offer bins specifically for the disposal of biodegradable packing peanuts. You can also check with your local waste management agency to see if they have a program in place for the proper disposal of biodegradable packing peanuts.
- Contact the manufacturer: If you cannot reuse or compost the packing peanuts and there are no designated disposal bins in your area, you may be able to contact the manufacturer for guidance on how to dispose of them.
It’s important to note that biodegradable packing peanuts are not the same as traditional packing peanuts made from plastic, and they should not be disposed of in the same way. Placing biodegradable packing peanuts in the trash or a recycling bin could result in them being sent to a landfill, where they will not have the opportunity to break down as intended.
How Biodegradable Packing Peanuts Breakdown
Biodegradable packing peanuts are made from materials that will break down over time through the action of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. These microorganisms consume the organic matter in the packing peanuts and convert it into compost, a rich, soil-like material that can enrich the soil in gardens and landscaping.
The specific materials used to make biodegradable packing peanuts can vary, but they are often made from cornstarch or other plant-based materials. These materials are generally more environmentally friendly than traditional packing peanuts made from plastic, which do not break down and can remain in the environment for hundreds of years.
Biodegradable packing peanuts will typically break down faster in a composting environment, where the conditions are optimized for the action of microorganisms. In other environments, such as landfills, the breakdown process may be slower due to a lack of oxygen and other factors supporting microorganisms’ growth. However, biodegradable packing peanuts will eventually break down even in these conditions.
Where to Bring Biodegradable Packing Peanuts for Disposal
Many shipping and packing supply stores offer bins specifically for the disposal of biodegradable packing peanuts. These stores may be willing to take back the packing peanuts for proper disposal, even if you did not purchase them from that store. Some examples of stores that may offer this service include:
- U-Haul
- The UPS Store
- FedEx Office
- Pack & Ship
- Mail Boxes Etc.
It’s a good idea to call ahead and confirm that the store you plan to visit accepts biodegradable packing peanuts for disposal before bringing them in. Some stores may have specific guidelines for the disposal of packing peanuts, such as requiring that they be placed in a designated container or bag.
Suppose you cannot find a shipping and packing supply store in your area that accepts biodegradable packing peanuts. In that case, you may also be able to contact the manufacturer for guidance on how to dispose of them. Alternatively, you may be able to compost the packing peanuts and other organic materials, such as food scraps and yard waste.
Conclusion
Biodegradable packing peanuts are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional packing peanuts made from plastic. They are made from materials that will break down over time through the action of microorganisms and can be reused or composted.
Suppose you are unable to reuse or compost the packing peanuts. In that case, you may be able to dispose of them in a designated bin at a shipping and packing supply store or contact the manufacturer for guidance on how to dispose of them properly. It’s important to note that biodegradable packing peanuts should not be placed in the trash or a recycling bin, as they may be sent to a landfill where they will not have the opportunity to break down as intended.
