Hi all,

One of the downsides to mail ordering stuff is being stuck with garbage bags full of packing styrofoam a.k.a. expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) a.k.a. peanuts.

Does anyone have any idea what to do with this stuff? I have two garbage bags full that I don't want to just throw away. I suspect some packing/courier companies might take them and re-use them.

If no one has any suggestions, I'll just start calling around and see if anyone will take them and post it here since many of you probably order things online.

Thanks!
Rich.

A few ideas:

~ I make beanbag chairs outta them.

~ If anyone in your area sells on eBay, they might be interested.

~ Local elementry school might be interested for crafts etc.

~ If your local classifieds has a freebie section you could try that.

~ If all else fails, our recycling depot takes them - so yours might too

Originally posted by MaxPower2000 I suspect some packing/courier companies might take them and re-use them.

I recall reading that some mail-order companies actively look for recycled packaging materials like peanuts but I can't remember who specifically. But if there are any mail-order companies in your area you may want to call them.

Ivy's suggestions are good too. Anything is better than land fills where they won't biodegrade.

Could they be used for insulation, say in an attic? Two bags isn't a lot but every little bit helps. (Or are they flammable?)

Originally posted by MaxPower2000 Does anyone have any idea what to do with this stuff? I have two garbage bags full that I don't want to just throw away. I suspect some packing/courier companies might take them and re-use them.

They do tend to accumulate very quickly, don't they?

Around here (Ottawa) any Mail Boxes Etc. franchise will gladly take packing peanuts. I assume that would be true nationwide too.

Good luck! Thanks for helping to keep them out of the waste stream. Best to reuse when at all possible.

Has anyone come across those packing materials made from puffed corn products? They look exactly like those "cheez-puffs" but are white without the cheese sprinking. Oddly enough they even taste similar! They dissolve in water too, so are a snap to chuck out as they will break down nicely.

Much better than the polystyrene stuff if you ask me..

Originally posted by othdawg Has anyone come across those packing materials made from puffed corn products? They look exactly like those "cheez-puffs" but are white without the cheese sprinking. Oddly enough they even taste similar! They dissolve in water too, so are a snap to chuck out as they will break down nicely. Much better than the polystyrene stuff if you ask me..

Ugh! I think I smell a rat

If they're edible then they'd attract rodents and other undesirables in warehouses. Imagine opening a package that's been chewed up by mice? Imagine if the mice are still in the package feasting away!

And if the "cheesies" are treated with some sort of rodent repellent or poison, etc. then imagine if someone's little kid got into them.

Originally posted by bylo Ugh! I think I smell a rat

He kids you not! The Snack Food That's Packing America

But the company died... A Recipe for Disaster

Originally posted by bylo And if the "cheesies" are treated with some sort of rodent repellent or poison, etc. then imagine if someone's little kid got into them.

I sure hope not!! My dog LOVES those things!

Community centres and day care centres use these as well. Also some subsidized housing projects with programs use them. You might also check your local church, senior's home.

Good luck getting rid of them

Hi, I realize this is an old thread and post. (Actually very old) but none the less, if anyone in the Ottawa area has a collection of used styrofoam chip or packing peanuts and looking for someone to take them off their hands, I would be more than grateful. (bubble wrap as well) I run a small home based business that relies on shipping and always looking for ways to keep costs down.

Thanks in advance,