Used Mailers ReCo Pick Guide
ReCo Pick Member Guide

Used Mailers

Use this guide to prepare used shipping mailers for the designated ReCo Pick collection.

Used shipping mailers accepted through a ReCo Pick

Give used shipping mailers another life

Many padded and mixed-material mailers cannot go in curbside recycling because they combine paper, plastic, padding, or adhesive layers. During this ReCo Pick, The ReCollective collects mailers that are still usable so they can be sorted and prioritized for reuse.

This collection is intended for mailers that are still in good enough condition to be used again.

What to include

Accepted Used Mailers

Mailers should be empty, dry, and usable, without major tears or loose interior padding.

Accepted

  • Paper bubble mailers with a plastic bubble lining
  • Paper-padded mailers with fiber or shredded-paper padding
  • Mixed-material shipping envelopes with bonded layers
  • Stretchy all-plastic poly mailers and plastic bubble mailers
  • Reusable padded or rigid mailers with intact seams
  • Mailers with labels removed, covered, or fully blacked out

Do Not Include

  • Cardboard or paperboard shipping mailers
  • Wet, dirty, food-soiled, or moldy mailers
  • Mailers with major tears or exposed, loose padding
  • Boxes, packing peanuts, air pillows, or loose packaging
Where it goes

Place Used Mailers in Your ReCo Pick Bag

Put accepted Used Mailers directly inside the canvas ReCo Pick bag. Do not place them loose in the black collection bag.

A note about stretchy poly mailers: stretchy poly plastic mailers may go in either your ReCo Pick bag or your Plastic Film bag. Choose whichever option works best for you. Clean cardboard and paperboard mailers generally belong in curbside recycling.
Before your pickup

How to Prepare Used Mailers

Remove Personal Information

Peel off the shipping label, cover it completely, or black out names, addresses, barcodes, and tracking numbers.

Empty and Inspect

Remove all contents and check that the mailer is dry, reasonably clean, and intact enough to be used again.

Flatten and Place in the Bag

Flatten the mailers to save space, then place them inside your canvas ReCo Pick bag.

Materials being sorted at The ReCollective warehouse in Durham
After collection

What Happens to the Mailers?

The mailers return to The ReCollective’s Durham warehouse, where the team checks their condition and sorts them by type.

1

Inspect: Damaged or contaminated items are separated from mailers that remain usable.

2

Sort: Mailers are grouped by construction, size, and condition.

3

Reuse: Usable mailers are prepared for local shipping and packaging partners whenever possible.

ReCo Pick Reminders

Standard monthly members Set out Used Mailers only during the month this ReCo Pick is featured.
Almost Anything Plan members You may place approved ReCo Pick materials in your ReCo Pick bag during any monthly pickup.
Use the ReCo Pick bag Place accepted Used Mailers inside the canvas ReCo Pick bag, not loose in the black collection bag.
Return all canvas bags Return all of your canvas bags each time you set out recycling so the team can provide a complete replacement kit.
Related information

Other Material Guides

Plastic clamshell recycling Material guide Plastic Clamshells #5 plastic tubs and lids recycling Material guide #5 Plastic Tubs and Lids Styrofoam recycling Material guide Styrofoam Battery recycling Material guide Batteries Light bulb recycling Material guide Light Bulbs Small electronics recycling Material guide Small Electronics
Local information

City Recycling Pages

City page Durham View local information City page Raleigh View local information City page Cary View local information City page Chapel Hill & Carrboro View local information