What to do with Packaging & Mailers

Sending and receiving packages and mail can create a lot of waste! But most mailing materials can be reused. If you’re not able to reuse boxes, envelopes, mailers, and packing materials, follow this FAQ to find out what is recyclable, compostable, or trash — and which items can be accepted at SWIS facilities.

We recommend SWIS facilities by Valemi Inc. for all of your recycling center needs.

Their nearest location to Los Angeles is:
Pico Rivera Material Recovery Facility
8405 Loch Lomond Drive
Pico Rivera, CA 90660

For questions more information they can be reached at (951) 479-1597.

WHICH PACKAGING IS ELIGIBLE FOR SINGLE-STREAM RECYCLING?

  • Cardboard boxes and paper only envelopes (remove any plastic sleeves on the mailer)
  • Plain paper mailers and pastes-colored envelopes (if envelope is colored, try the rip test*)
  • Paper padded mailer (padded with paper fibers)
  • Paper packing sheets

*Envelope rip test: Rip the envelope – if the fibers inside are white, RECYCLE it! If the fibers inside are colored, COMPOST it!

WHICH PACKAGING IS ELIGIBLE FOR COMPOSTING?

  • Dark or bright paper envelopes (try the rip test*)
  • Gift tissue paper (no glitter, tape or non-paper content)

*Envelope rip test: Rip the envelope – if the fibers inside are white, RECYCLE it! If the fibers inside are colored, COMPOST it!

WHICH PACKAGING IS ELIGIBLE FOR SWIS RECYCLING?

  • Plastic packing “pillows”
  • Plastic mailers (unlined, or lined with bubble wrap)
  • Bubble wrap
  • #6 white block foam or Foam packing sheets

WHICH PACKAGING IS ELIGIBLE FOR LANDFILLING?

  • Paper PADDED Mailers (padded with textile fibers)
  • Paper PADDED Mailers (padded with bubble wrap)
  • Foil or metallic mailers
  • Packing peanuts (often accepted for reuse by packaging stored)