Is bubble wrap recyclable?

We've all been there: you get a big delivery — maybe it's furniture or home appliances — and after unboxing the products, you’re left with copious amounts of bubble wrap. Now, what do you do with it? Can you recycle bubble wrap? 

In theory, all plastic is recyclable — even if it is not economically or technically feasible. Recycling streams for soft plastics like bubble wrap are generally not easily accessible, though.

If you are looking to recycle plastic bubble wrap, your best bet is to search for local collection points for soft plastics recycling.

In this blog, you will find out more about the recyclability of plastic bubble wrap, how to dispose of bubble wrap, and what sustainable materials you might want to use instead in the future. Let’s get to the question:

Can bubble wrap be recycled?

The short answer is yes, but it rarely actually gets recycled. Bubble wrap is a “soft plastic”, and most local curbside recycling providers do not accept soft plastics with the packaging container.

The main reason for this is that the majority of recycling machinery is only equipped to handle hard plastic products like plastic bottles or milk cartons.

What’s worse, not all plastic that gets collected actually gets recycled.

Research by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation shows that only 14% of all plastic packaging produced gets collected for recycling and just 2% gets recycled in the common sense meaning of the word — the rest is downcycled or lost during processing. 

How to recycle bubble wrap: practical steps

If you find yourself stuck with some bubble wrap that you do not have use for anymore, the best thing you can do is discard it responsibly. 

All you need to do for that is locate a center that handles soft plastic near you.

We recommend Googling “soft plastic recycling [your city/region/neighborhood name]”. Alternatively, you can also search using directories like the Earth 911 Recycling Search.

Depending on where you live, you’ll find a range of different projects that handle soft plastic waste, like grocery store drop-off schemes.

Note: if the bubble wrap is attached to any other material like say, an envelope – separate the two materials for recycling.

The better option: avoid creating bubble wrap waste

Depending on your situation and needs, you can choose to use more sustainable packaging materials instead of plastic bubble wrap. Here’s a handy guide:

1. Use case: Sending parcels (personal use)
   
   Bubble wrap replacement: Old newspaper/magazine pages, kraft paper, any sustainable materials your local post office or logistics service offers 

2. Use case: Commerical packaging and shipping (e.g. ecommerce packaging or manufacturers who need to ship products)
   
   Bubble wrap replacement: Wool packaging, honeycomb paper wrap or other types of paper packaging

3. Use case: Moving
   
   Bubble wrap replacement: Clothes, towels, blankets or any other textiles, old newspapers/magazines, egg cartons, professional moving services

Like all plastic packaging, there are two main issues with plastic bubble wrap: dependence on fossil fuels and a single-use mindset.

Some FAQ

Is bubble wrap recyclable?

Yes, bubble wrap can be recycled, but most likely not through your curbside recycling bin. Check the guidelines of your local recycling stream provider or simply Google “soft plastic recycling [your city/region/neighborhood name]” to find local projects that recycle bubble wrap. If you can, it’s better to avoid using plastic bubble wrap in the first place.

What is bubble wrap made of?

Bubble wrap is made from RIC4, a low-density polyethylene film (LPDF). Production typically begins with resin beads made of polyethylene, which create the plastic film. Its characteristics determine the properties of the final bubble wrap, including its flexibility and impact resistance.

Image source

Find out more: From production to popping: how is bubble wrap made?

How is bubble wrap made?

First, the polyethylene resin is melted and forced through a die (a molding machine), forming a continuous plastic sheet.

1. As the plastic sheet emerges, air is injected through small holes in the die, creating bubbles in the plastic.

2. The bubbles are then sealed by another layer of plastic film, creating air-filled pockets.

3. Finally, the plastic film is cooled and solidified, ensuring the bubbles retain their size and integrity. 

The wrap-up

While technically recyclable in some specialised facilities, bubble wrap is rarely processed due to its material complexity and low value. For most consumers and brands, it ends up in landfill — taking centuries to degrade and contributing to the growing crisis of microplastic pollution. In the current climate-aware world, relying on bubble wrap sends the wrong message: that convenience is more important than responsibility.

If you’re serious about sustainability, it’s time to look beyond bubble wrap. At Woola, we turn leftover wool into beautiful, protective packaging that’s biodegradable, circular, and premium.

Ready to ditch plastic without compromising quality? Get in touch with our team, request a sample, or learn how brands like LVMH and IMSE Studios are already making the switch. Let’s protect your products — and the planet — one parcel at a time.