Philadelphia sends approximately 610,000 tons of trash to landfills each year. Your packing materials don't have to add to that figure. Through donating and recycling these items, you will reduce waste, make a positive impact on the environment, and help people in need. Let's find out where you can donate packing materials in Philadelphia today.
Where to Donate Packing Materials in Philadelphia
There are several organizations, businesses, and local platforms in Philadelphia where you can drop off your packing materials:
1. Local Charities and Reuse Centers
- Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia ReStore:
- The local Habitat for Humanity chapter is willing to accept packaging materials for their housing projects
- Location: 3111 West Allegheny Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132; 2318 Washington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19146
- Visit their website for details: Habitat ReStore Philadelphia.
2. Online Platforms — Quick and Easy
Another great way: connect with your neighbors through online platforms! Here you can leave an ad and people will find you on their own:
- Nextdoor Philadelphia: Place an ad with your packaging materials in the “Free” category.
- Craigslist Philly: Post your packing supplies in the “Free Stuff” section of Craigslist.
- Facebook Marketplace: Many Philadelphians browse Marketplace for free supplies like boxes and bubble wrap.
Tip: Make sure to include specific quantities (e.g., “20 moving boxes and packing peanuts”) and clean, clear photos to grab attention.
3. Schools and Creative Organizations in Philly
Schools, craft circles and art centers use packaging materials extremely often. Most of them will gladly accept them
- Philly Art Center:
- Bubble wrap, boxes, and cardboard are often needed for art projects and workshops. Call to see what they need!
- Locations: 514 Bainbridge St, Philadelphia, PA 19147; 2333 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130; 530 Carpenter Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19119; 1930 Marlton Pike East # M64, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08003
- Check out their website: Philly Art Center.
Quick Tip: Schools often accept packaging materials for science fairs or craft projects. Contact your local elementary or high school for their specific needs.
4. Small Businesses and Local Shops
Many small businesses often need packaging materials. They are sure to find a use for them:
- Local Bookstores (like Shakespeare & Co.): Bookstores often need boxes for inventory management.
- Independent Boutiques and Gift Shops: Walk into small stores in your neighborhood and ask if they’d like free packaging. Many businesses on South Street or in Old City ship items regularly and would be happy to accept.
Who Won’t Accept Packing Materials?
Not all locations are suitable for accepting packaging materials. Many do not accept them for various reasons.
| Won’t Accept | Why? |
|---|---|
| Municipal Recycling Centers | Here, only cardboard is accepted. Whole boxes, bubble wrap, Styrofoam, etc. are not accepted here. |
| Large Retail Stores (without programs) | Most stores will not accept packing materials. |
| Food Banks or Pantries | This is about food donations. Packaging materials are not accepted. |
| General Donation Centers (e.g., Goodwill) | Goodwill accepts many items, packing materials are not on the list of accepted donations. |
| General Donation Centers (e.g., The Resource Exchange, Philly AIDS Thrift) | While these organizations accept household goods, packing materials like bubble wrap or Styrofoam are not on their accepted lists. |
Pro Tip: Always call and check in advance if your packaging materials will be accepted. Even on our list, things can sometimes change if, for example, a school or small business has a surplus of packing materials.
How to Prepare Your Packing Materials for Donation
Your packing materials should be ready for pickup. Most organizations will not accept them unprepared:
- Remove Labels and Tape: Boxes should be clean and ready to be reused.
- Organize: Stack boxes flat and place small items, such as packing peanuts or air pillows, in airtight bags.
- Transport Neatly: Pack materials in a way that makes them easy to take out.
Recycling Packing Materials in Philadelphia
If, for example, based on the condition of your packing materials, donating isn't an option, recycling is another way. There are several ways to recycle packing materials in Philadelphia:
1. Curbside Recycling in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s curbside recycling program accepts basic packing materials, but not all types:
| Accepted Materials | How to Prepare |
|---|---|
| Cardboard Boxes | Flatten the boxes, remove the tape and labels, and place them in the recycling bin. |
| Paper Packing Materials | The paper must be clean and dry. |
What’s Not Accepted Curbside:
- Plastic mailing boxes, bubble wrap, styrofoam and air cushions are not accepted. See specialized recycling options below.
For full recycling guidelines, visit: https://www.phila.gov/programs/recycling-program/what-to-recycle/.
2. Hard-to-Recycle Items
For materials that don't belong in your dumpster, Philadelphia has several specialized recycling solutions:
-
Styrofoam (Polystyrene):
Styrofoam recycling is not available in Philadelphia itself. There is an option for a long distance drive or mail-in program, but this is impractical and unproductive from an emissions standpoint.
- Local Drop-Off: Northeast Foam Recycling at 90 Hamilton St, Chalfont, PA 18914 accepts Styrofoam.
-
Plastic Bags, Bubble Wrap, and Films:
- Many grocery and retail stores in Philadelphia accept these items in designated containers. Common locations include:
- Target
- Walmart
- Giant
- Many grocery and retail stores in Philadelphia accept these items in designated containers. Common locations include:
3. Why TerraCycle Isn’t Ideal for Packing Materials
Although TerraCycle offers a Plastic Packaging Zero Waste Box. However, it is too expensive and inconvenient, which is not suitable for ordinary people.
- Cost: The TerraCycle program starts at $100 for a small 11“ x 11” x 20” box.
- Limited Scope for Packing Materials: The box is designed primarily for flexible plastic packaging (such as plastic mailers), not for materials such as bubble wrap, cardboard or Styrofoam.
How to Reduce Packaging Waste in the Future
But the best way to use packaging materials sustainably: not to create unnecessary waste. Striving for this will make your should move more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
First, consider reducing the “weight” of the move itself; decluttering will also make your move cheaper. Secondly, if you are moving with movers, find out about environmental options. Many movers are willing to offer moves using reusable moving containers and/or eco-friendly packing materials. Third, if you move often, save your packing, it will come in handy in the future!
Another option, find already used packing materials. Philadelphia has programs like Zero Waste Philadelphia aimed at reusing materials. You can also find free packaging materials yourself that can be reused (learn more in our guide to free boxes in Philadelphia).
Every box you donate or recycle helps keep Philadelphia cleaner and greener. Take action today—choose a donation or recycling option near you and make a difference!