How to Recycle Packaging from Online Shopping (The Right Way)

Online shopping is easy—but what about all that packaging? ♻️ Learn how to recycle it the right way and keep clutter out of your home.

From cardboard boxes to bubble wrap and plastic film, online shopping can quickly create a pile of packaging waste. While it’s convenient to click and order, the materials that arrive at your door often add to visual clutter—and overwhelm your recycling bins.

The good news is that you can recycle packaging from online shopping responsibly with a few simple habits. Knowing what belongs in the bin—and what doesn’t—helps reduce waste while keeping your home organized and eco-conscious.

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard shipping boxes and sleeves are widely accepted through curbside recycling programs, making them one of the easiest materials to recycle.

How to recycle them properly:

• Break boxes down flat

• Remove as much tape and labels as possible

When you recycle packaging from online shopping correctly, starting with cardboard makes a big difference.

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap is commonly used to protect fragile items, but it is not curbside recyclable.

What to do instead:

• Drop it off at plastic film recycling bins at grocery and retail stores

  
  

Reuse tip: Save a few sheets to protect seasonal décor or fragile items in storage.

Handling bubble wrap properly is an important step when you recycle packaging from online shopping without contaminating your recycling bin.

Padded Envelopes

Most padded mailers are not recyclable because the paper and plastic layers cannot be separated.

Best option:

• Reuse them as many times as possible

• Repurpose for returns or storage

  
  

Once they’re worn out, disposal is usually the only option.

Polystyrene Foam (Packing Peanuts & Beads)

Styrofoam is rarely accepted in residential recycling programs.

What you can do:

• Check your local municipality’s recycling guidelines

• Look for specialty drop-off locations

  
  

Reducing foam waste makes it easier to recycle packaging from online shopping with fewer obstacles.

Plastic Polythene Wrap (Clothing Packaging)

Clothing often arrives wrapped in thin plastic sleeves or peel-away bags.

These plastics are not curbside recyclable, but they are accepted at plastic bag and film recycling stations located at many stores.

Sorting plastic film correctly is essential when you recycle packaging from online shopping the right way.

Paper Wrapping & Inserts

Here’s how to handle common paper packaging materials:

• Brown packing paper: Recyclable curbside

• Colored or glittered wrapping paper: Not recyclable

• Tissue paper: Recyclable or reusable

• Shredded paper: Not curbside recyclable—compost if possible

  
  

Final Thoughts

Decluttering doesn’t stop with what’s inside your packages. How you recycle packaging from online shopping plays a major role in reducing waste, preventing recycling contamination, and keeping your home feeling lighter and more intentional.

A few mindful habits go a long way—for your space and the planet.

~ Nathalie xoxo

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