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Recycling Tips for Shipment Packaging: A Message from the Sustainability Committee

As online shopping grows, many receive refrigerated shipments containing groceries, medications, or pet supplies. These packages often include materials like insulated boxes, gel packs, and plastic wraps, which are critical for preserving freshness but can pose recycling challenges. Proper recycling reduces landfill waste and helps protect the environment, especially in a sustainability-focused community like Palmetto Dunes.

The best way to ensure your recyclable materials are properly processed is to take them to the Hilton Head Island Citizens Recycling Center (CRC), located at 26 Summit Drive. Materials placed in curbside recycling bins often end up in landfills due to contamination, improper sorting, or lack of local processing facilities for certain items.

By using the CRC, you can be confident that your efforts to recycle are effective and beneficial to the environment.

FAQs: Recycling Refrigerated Shipment Packaging

  1. What types of packaging materials are commonly found in refrigerated shipments?

You may encounter:

  • Insulated boxes (cardboard or polystyrene foam)
  • Gel packs (plastic pouches filled with gel or liquid)
  • Plastic wraps and films
  • Foam cushioning blocks (e.g., polystyrene foam)
  • Cardboard inserts for spacing and support
  • Corrugated cardboard lined with metal foil
  • Small plastic bags or containers (e.g., for vegetables, sauces, or dressings in meal kits)
  1. How should I recycle insulated boxes?
  • Cardboard boxes: Recycle with other cardboard if they are clean and dry.
  • Foam boxes: Not accepted at the CRC but may be taken to specific retailers like Publix or The Home Depot. Confirm their drop-off policies before bringing materials.
  1. What should I do with gel packs?
  • Reuse: Gel packs are excellent for coolers or lunches when intact.
  • Dispose: Do not cut open gel packs or pour the contents down drains, as this can clog plumbing and disrupt wastewater treatment systems. If no longer usable, place gel packs in the trash, sealed in a bag if leaking.
  1. How should I handle corrugated cardboard lined with metal foil?
    Foil-lined cardboard cannot be recycled because the foil contaminates the recycling process. Dispose of these items in the trash.
  2. Can I recycle plastic wraps or films?
    Yes, plastic wraps and films can be recycled at the CRC if they are clean and dry and placed in the designated “Plastic Film” recycling coral. These materials should not go in curbside bins, as they can damage sorting equipment.
  3. How should I recycle cardboard inserts?
    Flatten clean cardboard inserts and place them in your recycling bin or take them to the CRC. Ensure they are free of food or liquid contamination.
  4. What should I do with small plastic bags for vegetables and sauces?
  • Recycle: Bags may be placed in designated “Plastic Film” corals at the CRC if completely clean and dry. Any residue, especially from food or liquids, contaminates the recycling stream.
  • Dispose: If cleaning is not possible, place these items in the trash.
  1. Are there alternatives to traditional packaging for refrigerated shipments?
    Many companies are shifting to eco-friendly options such as compostable or biodegradable packaging. Supporting suppliers that prioritize sustainable practices is an excellent way to reduce packaging waste.

Why is the CRC the Best Option for Recycling?

  • Curbside Recycling Limitations: Many curbside recycling programs face challenges, such as contamination from non-recyclable items, lack of access to proper sorting equipment, or inability to process certain materials like plastics or films. In such cases, these items are redirected to landfills, undermining your recycling efforts.
  • CRC Advantage: With the correct recycled material, CRC is equipped to properly handle and sort recyclable materials. By taking your items to the CRC, you ensure they are processed correctly and kept out of landfills.

When in Doubt, Throw It Out!

If you are unsure whether an item is recyclable, it is better to throw it in the trash to prevent contaminating the recycling stream.

By following these guidelines and using the Hilton Head Island Citizens Recycling Center, you can make a meaningful contribution to sustainability and help keep Palmetto Dunes green for generations to come.

For more details on local recycling options, visit the Beaufort County Solid Waste and Recycling website.