Online shoppers are familiar with the small packaging chips that are used as filling material in parcels to protect sensitive goods during transportation. Whether glass vases, bottles or fragile goods – the small, colorful flips form a protective barrier between the product and the cardboard wall. But where and how should the packaging chips actually be disposed of once their role as transport protection has been fulfilled? Do they belong in the residual waste or in the yellow garbage can? Find out here!
Packaging chips: How to dispose of the filling material from the parcel correctly
Not all packaging chips are the same: The popular filling material can be made of different materials. Recycled polystyrene is traditionally used as a filling material, as it is lightweight and offers good protection against impact. However, chips made from composted starch (from potatoes, corn or wheat) are also used in shipping parcels.
Due to the different materials, you may assume that the packaging chips must also end up in different garbage cans, but this is not the case. Both organic and recycled packaging chips belong in the yellow garbage can or the yellow bag.
And there is a simple reason for this: if you mistakenly dispose of the packaging chips in the residual waste, they cannot be reused and valuable resources are lost. Packaging material – regardless of its type – is recyclable and should be returned to the material cycle.
How you can reduce packaging waste
Of course, it is best to avoid (packaging) waste in advance. So think carefully about whether you would be better off buying certain products from local retailers instead of receiving them in the post. Some companies also use ecological filling material made from 100% renewable raw materials.
Alternatively, you can also keep the packaging chips to use as padding for your next parcel. And the cornstarch packaging chips are particularly popular with young children. They can make all kinds of fun figures out of the colorful flips. All you have to do is moisten the packaging chips with a little water and they will stick together.
When you receive your next package, you will now know how to properly dispose of or reuse the packaging chips it contains.
Source: ruhr24.de
Preview images: ©IMAGO / Shotshop Manuela Manay – stock.adobe.com
