Generally speaking, padded envelopes that are entirely constructed of paper are usually recyclable. The envelopes that contain material that looks like dryer lint are recyclable in many communities. However, paper envelopes that contain mixed materials, such as paper and plastic (like bubble wrap) may not be recyclable unless you are able to separate the plastic from the paper, and discard them separately (the paper in your bin and the plastic at a special recycling center in your community). In Seattle, for example, padded envelopes are generally non-recyclable. Check with your local government about regulations, especially if you have padded envelopes with bubble wrap inside.
Some communities will not accept certain padded envelopes, such as those heavily coated with plastic film, for recycling at all. They also do not recommend that you compost them. Some manufacturers have set up custom programs that work with local recyclers in your region instead. For example, Tyvek industrial packaging contains high-density polyethylene. However, the manufacturer has set up a network of recyclers to take back the items. Contact the manufacturer directly. Sometimes plastic coating on envelopes can be mechanically recycled into other products, such as cable protection piping, automotive parts, and blown film. [3] X Research source
The post office buys and uses some recycled materials and also provides recyclable mailers for purchase at some locations. Many packaging stores (like UPS) may also accept padded envelopes. Check with the local office to find out for sure. If your local post office won’t accept the materials, the post office may still be able to recommend other recycling locations.
If you don’t want the old address to be visible, cross it off, and then cover it with a shipping label or piece of adhesive paper on which you write the new address. That way you won’t have to throw it away. [5] X Research source Use tape to reseal the envelope. [6] X Research source If you have no reason to reuse the padded envelope immediately, store it in a drawer where you keep things like gift bags that you intend to reuse. There will likely come a time when you need to use it. The good thing about padded envelopes is that you can save them literally for years. It will save you money to reuse the padded envelope, anyway, as they are more expensive than normal envelopes.
Especially if you have padded envelopes in bulk, rather than trying to throw them away, offer them for free to anyone who needs them. Non-profits, small businesses, or community organizations, especially, might have a use for them. You could also offer them up for free to other friends or family via your own social media sites. Neighbors might also have some use for them. It’s almost always better to repurpose items than to risk clogging landfills with them. Padded envelopes are pretty durable and can usually withstand several uses. Try selling them on online auction sites if you have a lot of them. Give the envelopes to a local business that you want to support. The envelopes actually cost a lot of money if you use a lot of them, so this could help someone out.
Some people have even used padded envelopes to protect their knees when working on projects such as in the garden. You will prevent your knees from getting dirty or scuffed if you kneel on the envelopes while working. Other people use the padded envelopes for storage. Common items stored in padded envelopes include jewelry or Christmas ornaments. Use bubble wrap to protect outside plants from bad weather conditions. Bring them to sporting events or anywhere that a child might end up sitting on a hard chair. Use the padded envelope as a makeshift chair pad to prevent sore butts.
If you don’t know anyone with children, you can donate the envelopes to a school or local art center.
Recycled padded mailers are available for sale online, and they are made out of recycled trash in the first place! Thus, they are more environmentally sound. Padded envelopes that are not made of mixed materials (like paper and bubble wrap) will be easier to discard. Such envelopes may be a little more expensive than regular padded envelopes, but you will gain the peace of mind of knowing that you are not causing extra harm to the environment. There are sites on the Internet that sell recycled paper and green office supplies. Some padded envelopes are also biodegradable, so you don’t need to worry about throwing them into the trash. Check the back of the envelope to see if it’s biodegradable.
In this case, you would remove any plastic wrap and take it to a plastic film drop off location in your community, if it has one. Throw away any leftover paper into your normal recycling bin, where you would place other paper items, such as regular envelopes or newspapers. If the entire envelope is paper and it does not contain any plastic or bubble wrapping, you could put it directly into the recycling bin with other paper items.
Used booksellers have been known to include postage that would enable their buyers to send the envelope back. Ask the sender if he or she would like you to return the envelope.
