Bubble Wrap Trash Plastic Bags & Film Bubble wrap is considered plastic film. Reducing is better than recycling. When wrapping up fragile items opt for towels, sheets, or extra fabric. Plastic film includes wraps, bags, and flexible packaging. It is not ideal for curbside recycling collection because it can jam sorting equipment resulting in mechanical issues. To ensure bubble wrap gets recycled, bring them to a participating plastic film drop-off location. Empty bags, clean out any residue, and remove closures; only items that are clean and dry will be accepted. Not all types of plastic film are accepted at all locations. Confirm acceptability prior to drop-off. If you are not planning on taking bubble wrap to a dedicated plastic film recycling location, then please place it in the trash container. Ways to Reduce Choose a Greener Alternative If you buy bubble wrap to use for personal or business use, consider a greener alternative like EcoEnclose’s Corrugated Bubble. Use Newspaper Instead Newspaper also works well to wrap items for shipping or storage, and newspaper balls can fill up empty space in packages. It can always be recycled after it has been used, too. Ways to Reuse Use It Again Keep any bubble wrap you receive and save it for when you next need to wrap something fragile. One piece of bubble wrap can be used many times before it loses its usefulness. Take It to a Mail Store Some mailing stores will accept bubble wrap and other packing materials for drop-off. However, it depends on policies and current supply, so call ahead to ask. Line Your Crisper Drawer Use bubble wrap as a liner for your crisper drawer to prevent your fruits and vegetables from getting bruised. Costumes Bubble wrap can make some amazing costumes. Check out Martha Stewart’s No-Sew Bubble Wrap Jelly Fish and other ideas on Pinterest. Did You Know? Bubble Wrap: A Happy Accident Bubble wrap was first created by engineers in the 1950s who were trying to create a 3D plastic wallpaper. Though the wallpaper idea never came to fruition, they realized their invention would make a great packing material.