Updated: June 11, 2025
After moving into a new place, you’re often left with a bunch of cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and air pillows. It might seem easiest to just toss them in the trash — but that choice has more of an impact than you might expect. In Washington, DC, tons of packing waste end up in landfills every year. A lot of these items can be reused or recycled, and throwing them away wastes useful materials and adds to the city’s trash problem. The good news is, DC has some simple and eco-friendly ways to get rid of these materials properly.
If you’re looking to recycle your boxes or give your used packing items to someone else who needs them, this guide will show you where to go and what to do. Just a little effort to donate or recycle can cut down on waste, help out others in your area, and make DC a cleaner place to live.
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Where to Recycle Packing Supplies in DC
If you have extra packing materials and want to recycle them, DC has several easy options. Here's a breakdown of where to take them and what’s accepted.
DC Department of Public Works (DPW) Drop-Off Centers.
You can drop off certain materials for free at DPW location:
Fort Totten Transfer Station is located at 4900 John F. McCormack Road NE, Washington, DC 20011. It is open to the public Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The facility is closed on Sundays and Mondays. It accepts select recyclable materials, including flattened cardboard, paper, and certain types of plastic, specifically plastics labeled #1 and #2.
📝 Helpful tips:
- Remove tape, labels, and staples
- Flatten all cardboard
- Make sure everything is clean and dry
Store Drop-Offs for Other Materials.
Some items that can’t be recycled through curbside collection can still be dropped off at specific locations. Materials like bubble wrap, air pillows, and plastic film are accepted at many grocery stores such as Safeway and Giant, as well as major retailers like Target and Walmart. These stores often have dedicated bins near the entrance specifically for plastic bag recycling. Before recycling, it’s best to pop the air pillows and bundle bubble wrap together to ensure proper handling.
Packing peanuts, on the other hand, are not accepted in curbside recycling programs. However, many shipping stores—including UPS, FedEx, Mail Boxes Etc.—may accept clean packing peanuts for reuse. It’s recommended to call the store in advance to confirm they’re currently accepting them.
What Not to Put in Curbside Recycling
| Material | Recyclable Curbside? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cardboard with food stains/moisture | No | Contaminated cardboard cannot be recycled |
| Foam inserts | No (unless marked #6 and accepted locally) | Check local recycling rules for #6 plastics |
| Packing peanuts | No | May be accepted for reuse at shipping stores (call ahead to confirm) |
| Bubble wrap | No (unless taken to store drop-off) | Can be recycled at participating retailers in plastic bag collection bins |
Good to Know: Always contact each place before you go — rules can change. For updates, visit dpw.dc.gov.
Where to Donate Packing Supplies in DC
If your packing materials are still in good shape, giving them away is a simple way to help others and cut down on waste. Whether you have sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, or foam peanuts, there are local places in DC that might be happy to take them.
Local Shipping Stores (UPS, FedEx, Mail Centers)
Local shipping stores such as UPS, FedEx, and independent mail centers often accept clean, gently used packing materials. Many of these locations are willing to take items like folded cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and clean, dry packing peanuts for reuse. It's a good idea to contact the store beforehand to confirm what they currently accept.
Tip: Always call first. Not every store accepts donations.
Goodwill & Nearby Charities
Goodwill and other nearby charities may accept packing supplies such as boxes or bubble wrap for their own operations. Donating these materials can support their programs, storage needs, or moves. In addition to Goodwill, local shelters, food banks, and thrift stores often welcome these types of donations. It's best to contact them directly to ask about current needs.
For example, Goodwill of Greater Washington may accept certain packing materials. You can find the nearest location by visiting the DC Goodwill website.
Share with Your Community
Sharing extra packing supplies with your community is a quick and effective way to pass them along to someone who needs them. Local networks like Buy Nothing groups on Facebook allow you to post items for free to nearby neighbors. Craigslist’s “Free” section is another place where you can list supplies, making them available to anyone in your area. The Nextdoor app is especially helpful for sharing in your immediate neighborhood, and is often used during busy moving seasons when demand for packing materials is high.
These platforms are ideal for small batches and fast pickups, and they help reduce waste by giving materials a second life.
Donation Tips
- Only offer items that are clean, dry, and still usable
- Bundle or tape loose parts together
- Label your items if you can (like “medium boxes” or “bubble wrap”)
- Follow any rules or guidelines of the group or location where you’re donating
How to Reuse or Share Packing Supplies Locally
You don’t always need to drop off your leftover packing materials to make sure someone else can use them. In many DC neighborhoods, you can offer them online, and someone nearby will likely grab them the same day.
Local sharing apps and websites make this easy. Buy Nothing groups on Facebook let you post items like moving boxes, bubble wrap, or packing paper with a quick note and photo. People in your neighborhood often respond quickly. To find one, just search “Buy Nothing” along with the name of your area on Facebook. The Nextdoor app also works well for reaching nearby residents who may need supplies. You can list your items under “Free Items” or post in the general feed. Craigslist is another option—just go to the “Free” section and make a listing with details like the item’s condition and pickup instructions.
If you'd rather hold onto your materials, there are simple ways to reuse them around the house or at work. Flattened boxes can be saved for your next move or used for organizing items in storage. Bubble wrap or air pillows help protect decorations or fragile items. Leftover packing paper can be used in drawers or as kindling.
To make it easier for others to take your extras, try grouping similar items together and snapping a clear photo before posting. Labeling things like “small boxes,” “clean packing peanuts,” or “bubble wrap” can also be helpful. Be sure to include instructions about pickup times or if you’re leaving them outside.
What to Do With Common Packing Materials
Different types of packing supplies need to be handled in different ways. This guide explains how to deal with each one in Washington, DC.
- 📦 Cardboard Boxes. If your cardboard is clean, dry, and flattened, you can put it out for curbside pickup or take it to a DPW drop-off site. If the boxes are still strong and in good condition, you can offer them to UPS stores, local neighbors, or post them in community groups like Buy Nothing. You can also keep them for future moves or storage needs. Boxes that are wet or heavily stained should not be recycled.
- 💨 Bubble Wrap. Many grocery stores and larger retail locations collect bubble wrap in the same bins they use for plastic bags. You can also donate it to shipping shops or neighbors. If you plan to reuse it, it works well for protecting breakable items or holiday decorations. Curbside bins do not accept bubble wrap.
- 🥜 Packing Peanuts. If your packing peanuts are clean and dry, some UPS or mailing stores may accept them, but it’s best to call first. You can also hang onto them for packing fragile items in the future. These peanuts can’t go in curbside bins or most city-run programs. If you think you have the biodegradable kind, you can check by running water over them — they should dissolve.
- 🎈 Air Pillows. Let the air out, then take them to a store that accepts plastic bags — stores like Target or Safeway usually have a bin near the entrance. You can also donate them along with other packing supplies or keep them for padding in boxes. These can’t go in your regular recycling bin.
- 🗞️ Packing Paper. Packing paper can be placed in your curbside bin or taken to a recycling drop-off spot. You can also reuse it at home for things like wrapping, crafts, or lining drawers. It’s not often collected by donation centers, but you can ask around locally. Be sure the paper is clean and dry before reusing or recycling it.
Tips Before You Recycle
Take off tape and shipping labels. Make sure everything stays dry and is loosely packed. Group plastic-based materials together if you’re bringing them to a store. Don’t mix foam or plastic wrap with regular recyclables.
📌 Before You Drop Anything Off. Check ahead to see what each location takes, their hours, and whether you need an appointment. Some stores can only accept items if they have space, so a quick call can save you time.
Quick Checklist for a Smooth Drop-Off
- Flatten boxes
- Bundle plastic materials (bubble wrap, air pillows)
- Label or sort materials by type
- Keep items clean and dry
- Call or check the website before your visit