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Where to recycle packaging from your online shopping spree

We’re not here to judge, just here to help.

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Between Black Friday sales and the holiday season, you might find yourself surrounded not only by purchases, but packaging. The pandemic has led us to shop online heavily, and that doesn’t come without consequences. Whether you’ve got cardboard boxes filled with styrofoam or plastic packaging, it can be recycled in a more sustainable way than the classic blue bin.

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To make up for the guilt of overshopping or to just be more eco-conscious, here are a few U.S.-based programs you can donate to which will recycle your excess packaging.

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TerraCycle

TerraCycle not only lets you recycle your waste, but through its Zero Waste Box program, it’ll actually repurpose your packaging. Just search what you want to dispose of on its website and it’ll tell you how and where to recycle.

TerraCycle

Plastic Film Recycling

Plastic Film Recycling allows you to recycle plastic packaging that is often just thrown away at local recycling centers. You can drop off your plastic materials via a designated recycling location near you.

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Give Back Box

In the giving spirit of the holiday season, Give Back Box allows you to use your old cardboard boxes to donate used goods. Just grab a prepaid shipping label from their website, fill your box with gently used clothing and shoes, and send it!

Give Back Box

How2Recycle

How2Recycle informs both the public and companies on how to recycle, providing resources on where you can take your plastic bags, wraps, and films to recycle via your local retail stores, including Target, Walmart, and Wegmans.

How2Recycle

Recycling Center Near Me

Ok, this one’s pretty obvious. Similar to How2Recycle, this website lets you type in what you’re looking to recycle and will tell you how and where to dispose of it in a sustainable manner.

Recycling Center Near Me

Styro Recycle

Styro Recycle accepts clean and dry styrofoam free of tape and labels. You can donate your styrofoam at one of its local drop off locations in Washington or mail it directly to the company.

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Treat yourself, but then treat Mother Earth too. Happy recycling!

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