New use for opened padded envelopes

[Mark Katz]

As I get a lot of stuff from Amazon and other online sites, I end up with a variety of padded envelopes which have been ripped open or cut open. These are the kind with bubble wrap inside. Until recently I'd just been throwing them all away.

Then I realized that I could use them to put small scraps of wood with sharp edges or pointy ends into the trash and they would no longer poke through the contractor bag. Also works for discarded nails, screws, utility knife blades etc. Tyvek envelopes also work for this.

I still get more of these envelopes than I can use but at least some of them have a secondary use on their way to the landfill.

[Jim Dwight]

Interesting idea. I have a whole stack.

[Matt Day]

I believe those bags are recyclable with grocery plastic bags as well.

[Mark Blatter]

I believe those bags are recyclable with grocery plastic bags as well.


I don't think any plastic is recyclable these days unless it is a #1. About 24 months ago, China stopped taking almost all plastic, except #1 (in the triangle). I don't know for sure about the Amazon envelopes, but pretty sure that grocery bags are just tossed any more.

[Matt Day]

I don't think any plastic is recyclable these days unless it is a #1. About 24 months ago, China stopped taking almost all plastic, except #1 (in the triangle). I don't know for sure about the Amazon envelopes, but pretty sure that grocery bags are just tossed any more.


Yeah, I’m pretty sure you’re right but I have to try.

___wow, that’s a super long signature___

[Frank Pratt]

As I get a lot of stuff from Amazon and other online sites, I end up with a variety of padded envelopes which have been ripped open or cut open. These are the kind with bubble wrap inside. Until recently I'd just been throwing them all away.

Then I realized that I could use them to put small scraps of wood with sharp edges or pointy ends into the trash and they would no longer poke through the contractor bag. Also works for discarded nails, screws, utility knife blades etc. Tyvek envelopes also work for this.

I still get more of these envelopes than I can use but at least some of them have a secondary use on their way to the landfill.

This reminds me of a comedy show (maybe from SNL?) Where the late, great Phil Hartman played 'the anal retentive carpenter'. In one sketch, he showed how he carefully wraps & packages his scrap cutoffs. Hilarious.