With the increase in Amazon orders, Prime Day returns, now referred to as Prime Big Deal Days, commencing on Oct. 7. This indicates that more packages will soon be arriving at doorsteps globally, prompting the question: How can we recycle all those boxes, bubble envelopes, and paper bags?
The diversity in packaging complicates recycling initiatives. According to a 2024 report by Oceana, Amazon produced 208 million pounds of plastic packaging waste in 2022 from U.S. transactions, a 9.6% rise despite a worldwide decrease in plastic waste. This quantity of plastic could wrap around the Earth over 200 times.
Amazon offers recycling instructions for U.S. customers, available through the Amazon app or by asking Alexa or Siri. However, David Pinsky from Greenpeace critiques this method, contending that Amazon shifts the responsibility of managing its packaging waste onto customers. He advocates for Amazon to eliminate single-use packaging and implement reuse and refill systems.
Amazon recognizes the obstacles in a December 2022 blog entry, pointing out that while its plastic packaging is recyclable, it often necessitates that customers transport materials to drop-off points, which isn’t convenient.
Amazon provides a Frustration-Free Packaging initiative, utilizing appropriately sized, recyclable materials. Since 2015, Amazon has decreased outbound packaging weight by 38% and removed over 1.5 million tons of packaging material. In 2019, Amazon launched a fully recyclable paper padded mailer, substituting nearly 70% of its mixed material bubble mailers by 2021.
The “Less Packaging, More Smiles” campaign motivates customers to reuse boxes before recycling. In 2021, Amazon enhanced the recycled content in plastic film bags and padded bags, striving to eliminate over 25,000 metric tons of new plastic each year. Amazon also collaborated with the BOTTLE consortium to mitigate plastic pollution.
Amazon promotes the Amazon Day Delivery option to consolidate orders, potentially minimizing packaging. However, the Washington Post notes that Amazon’s use of small plastic mailers is growing to pack more shipments into delivery vehicles.
Oceana estimates that as much as 22 million pounds of Amazon’s plastic packaging waste could find its way into waterways. Amazon proposes utilizing a directory to locate drop-off points for plastic film recycling, although this isn’t comprehensive. Numerous cities lack recycling programs for plastic film, which can obstruct recycling machinery.
Pinsky recommends exploring drop-off sites and inquiring with supermarkets about recycling plastic film. Self-adhesive paper labels are probably not recyclable. Companies, not solely consumers, should take responsibility for recycling.
To recycle Amazon packaging:
1. **Paper padded envelope mailer**: Recyclable in the same way as cardboard boxes.
2. **Bubble-lined plastic bag and plastic bag**: Verify for curbside recycling or use a directory for drop-off sites.
3. **Cardboard box and folder**: Recyclable in most curbside programs; remove tape beforehand.
4. **Paper Envelope**: Recyclable in most curbside programs.
5. **Give Back Box partnership**: Donate items using Amazon packages.
6. **Packing paper**: Recyclable in most curbside programs.
7. **Air pillow**: Recycle curbside if feasible or locate a drop-off point.
8. **Bubble-lined paper mailer**: Not recyclable; confirm with local programs.
9. **Reusable gift bags**: Reuse or dispose of; Amazon is shifting to bags made from recycled materials.
10. **Amazon Fresh paper bag**: Recyclable in most curbside programs.
11. **Paper ice cream pouch**: Recyclable and reusable if clean.
12. **Amazon Fresh water bottle**: Recyclable in most curbside programs.
13. **Produce bag**: Verify for curbside recycling or use a drop-off location.
14. **Bottom board and paper insulation**: Recyclable in curbside programs.