Dispose of packaging film correctly and reuse as possible

After a delivery, stretch foil, bubble wrap and plastic bags often remain behind. Those who collect these materials separately, facilitate further utilization. Before disposal, it is worth a quick look at whether clean and undamaged foil can be used again for packaging.

Where to with plastic packaging?

In Germany, yellow ton or yellow ton are generally intended for refrigerated plastic packaging from private households. Regionally, there are recyclable tons and different collection systems. The Federal Environment Agency for Waste Separation explains the basic separation of paper packaging and packaging made of plastic, metal or composite material.

The property “made of plastic” alone is not sufficient to assign every item to the packaging collection. Non-packaging, highly contaminated materials and films from special applications must be assessed separately. In the specific case, the wasteABC The appropriate point of contact for your local disposer.

Separating materials from each other

Remove foil from cartons before they come to waste paper. Separate paper covers and plastic inserts if this is possible without much effort. In the case of non-separable composite packaging, the collection is based on the actual material structure; it does not automatically belong in the residual waste or waste paper.

Film contaminated with problematic substances such as paint or oil must not be treated according to the rule for clean shipping packaging. Ask your disposer about the right way for the concrete material. Do not mix such residues with the collected clean material.

What can be used again?

• Air cushion foil with intact bubbles can cushion another object.
• Larger clean film pieces can cover sensitive surfaces during storage.
• Suitable shipping bags can be re-used after removing old addresses, provided the closure and material are still working.
• Small damaged pieces should not be assembled into an unreliable protective layer.

Reuse is only useful if the necessary protection is maintained. For example, an already strongly stretched stretch film does not necessarily reach the original holding force. Control material and purpose, instead of reusing any rest unchecked.

Larger quantities on the holding

In one warehouse, varietal collection points for stretch film and other materials can be useful. Clear acceptance conditions, contamination limits and collection with the responsible commercial disposer. The municipal household collection is not a flat-rate concept for operational waste quantities.

Fewer film waste starts already when packaging: Choose a suitable outer box, avoid unnecessary layers and check paper pads or other suitable alternatives. Product protection remains crucial. In case of damage, inadequate packaging often causes more effort and material consumption than a well-planned protective structure.