Moving house or business comes with a lot of packing materials—cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and more. But once you’re settled in, what do you do with all that leftover packing waste? Instead of sending it to landfill, here’s how to recycle, reuse, or dispose of it responsibly.

1. Reuse Packing Materials for Future Moves

If you move often or know someone who is planning to, save your boxes and materials for future use.

✅ Flatten cardboard boxes and store them in a dry place.
✅ Keep bubble wrap, packing paper, and foam peanuts in a bin for later.
✅ Save strong plastic containers for storage or future packing.

💡 Tip: If you don’t need them, offer them to family, friends, or neighbours who might be moving soon.

2. Donate Packing Materials to Others

Many people and businesses need packing supplies, so instead of throwing them away, consider donating them.

📍 Where to donate:
✔ Local community groups – Post on Facebook groups or community boards.
✔ Charities & shelters – Some accept boxes for donations and storage.
✔ Schools & nurseries – They often use cardboard and packing materials for art projects.
✔ Small businesses – Local shops or online sellers may appreciate free packaging.

💡 Tip: Websites like Freecycle or Gumtree allow you to give away packing materials for free!

3. Recycle Cardboard Boxes Properly

Most moving boxes are made of recyclable cardboard, but they must be clean and dry to be accepted by recycling centres.

♻ How to recycle cardboard properly:
✔ Remove any tape or plastic labels.
✔ Flatten boxes to save space in your recycling bin.
✔ If boxes are damaged, cut them up and recycle them with paper waste.
✔ Take extra boxes to a local recycling centre.

💡 Tip: Some supermarkets and recycling centres offer cardboard drop-off points if your home bin is full.

4. Dispose of Bubble Wrap & Plastic Responsibly

Bubble wrap and plastic packing materials can’t go in regular recycling bins, but they can still be reused or recycled in other ways.

🛍 How to recycle plastic packing materials:
✅ Take bubble wrap to a supermarket plastic bag recycling bin.
✅ Reuse air pillows & plastic wrap for storage or gift-wrapping.
✅ Check with local recycling centres – some accept plastic film.

💡 Tip: Many courier companies and packaging stores accept used packing peanuts and bubble wrap for reuse.

5. Recycle or Dispose of Packing Peanuts & Foam

Packing peanuts and foam can be tricky to dispose of responsibly. Many waste collection services don’t accept them, so look for alternative ways to recycle.

✔ Offer them to shipping companies or packing stores for reuse.
✔ Use biodegradable packing peanuts – they dissolve in water!
✔ Check with local recycling centres – some accept polystyrene.

💡 Tip: Never put packing peanuts in your home recycling bin unless they are marked as biodegradable.

6. Turn Packing Materials into DIY Projects

Instead of throwing things away, why not get creative?

🎨 Ways to reuse packing materials at home:
✅ Use cardboard for DIY storage boxes or crafts.
✅ Turn bubble wrap into window insulation in winter.
✅ Shred paper & packing materials for pet bedding.
✅ Use old boxes to organize your garage or attic.

💡 Tip: If you have kids, cardboard boxes make great forts, castles, and playhouses!

Final Thoughts

Moving doesn’t have to create a lot of waste! By reusing, recycling, or donating packing materials, you can help the environment and reduce landfill waste.

If you’re planning a move and want an eco-friendly removals service, MNM Removals is here to help. We use recyclable materials and responsible disposal practices to keep your move as green as possible.

📞 Contact us today on 0800 0025 543 for a stress-free, eco-friendly move!
🌐 www.mnmremovals.co.uk