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Can Packing Beans Be Recycled?

Packing beans, also referred to as loose fill, packing beads or packing peanuts, fill empty spaces in packaging or boxes to protect the contents. Some people choose to reuse packing beans to avoid creating more waste.

  1. Different Materials

    • Packing beans can be made from different materials. Some have a starch or vegetable base, which means they are derived from potatoes, wheat or corn. Others, often referred to as Styrofoam, are made from polystyrene, which comes from petroleum.

    Considerations

    • According to G Magazine, there are very few recycling centers that will collect packing beans from residences. However, small shipping centers and packing boutiques will sometimes accept and reuse dropped off packing peanuts.

    Solution

    • For the purpose of reusing them, packing beans that dissolve in water can be recycled at home by throwing them in a compost bin. They can also be repurposed as craft supplies for kids as stamps or beads for making jewelry.

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