Bubble wrap is a cushioning material commonly used in packaging and shipping. It is made of two sheets of plastic that are sealed together with air pockets, known as bubbles, between the sheets. These bubbles can help prevent items from being broken during warehousing, shipping and home storage. Bubble wrap is also sold by moving companies to keep furniture and other items from being damaged during transit.
Although not all recycling facilities accept bubble wrap, there are several uses for this product after it has been used for packaging or shipping.
Home and Landscaping Products
According to the Stanford Recycling Center, bubble wrap and plastic bags are mixed with wood waste to create a residential siding product that resists deterioration. Bubble wrap may also be used in composite decking lumber, landscaping borders and patio furniture.
Packaging and Shipping
According to Maria Myers, manager of the Carroll County recycling program in Maryland, used bubble wrap can be taken to a shipping and mailing center for reuse. If the air pockets in the bubble wrap are intact, the shipping and mailing center can sell or give it to customers who want to ship fragile items. You can also use old bubble wrap in your own mailed packages.
Refrigerator Drawer Liners
Old bubble wrap can be cut to fit the produce drawers in your refrigerator, according to Bethany Sanders, contributor to the DIY Life website. Bubble wrap lining can help prevent bruising of ripe fruits as they sit in your refrigerator drawers. If you leave fruits or vegetables in your refrigerator a little too long, bubble wrap liners also make cleanup easy--simply pick up the liner with the expired produce, discard the food and wash the bubble wrap in warm, soapy water.
Insulation
The air pockets in bubble wrap insulate against the transfer of heat. Use old bubble wrap to cover hot or cold items for a picnic to retain the temperature of these items. Bubble wrap can also help keep frozen grocery store items from thawing or melting on the way home, notes Sanders.
Member Comments