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Amazon under fire for new packaging that cannot be recycled

35 points by AhmadM91 7y ago

TaylorAlexander 7y ago
This would be a great opportunity for Amazon to donate funds for the UK to build a recycling facility capable of recycling these packages. Sadly I doubt they would do such a sensible and kind thing when they could just deny responsibility. Maybe they could be fined.
RenRav 7y ago
Even with the recyclable cardboard, wasn't the sheer scale too much for cities to handle?
dymk 7y ago
The article is unclear; it seems to imply these are only non-recyclable in the UK? I've been recycling these in the US with no problems.
- mikestew 7y ago
  Hmm, are they recyclable? Because I can't find clear messaging here in Redmond, WA with Waste Management. The little flyer doesn't address it, and there's no markings on the Amazon envelope that I see. I currently throw them away with regret. On a related note, I took delivery of a Boosted Rev scooter yesterday. Pretty big box, as one might imagine for a 40-some pound scooter. What amazed me was that after I broke down all the cardboard, what was not recyclable cardboard or paper would have fit in the front pockets of my jeans. Probably less non-recyclable trash than most of my Amazon deliveries.
- jnwatson 7y ago
  They are supposed to be recycled with plastic shopping bags. Most residential recycling doesn’t accept them (but the grocery stores do).
- lsllc 7y ago
  You put them in the recycle bin on the curb and on trash day the guys dump the bin into the recycle truck. How is it that you know they don't cause problems?
- blue_devil 7y ago
  Really? https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/02/11/why-amazons-new-streamlined-packaging-is-jamming-up-recycling-centers/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/02/11/why-ama... Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/amsc?ref=your_acct_asc https://www.amazon.co.uk/amsc?ref=your_acct_asc >>Some local authorities will collect this material as part of household recycling. Where not available, use designated store drop-off locations where plastic film is accepted The "old" carton sleeves: >> Cardboard envelopes are widely recyclable as part of household recycling programmes. Check with your local authority for more details.
SamReidHughes 7y ago
If it's a cost savings, who cares if it's recyclable? Throwing it in the trash is carbon sequestration.

35 points by AhmadM91 7y ago

This would be a great opportunity for Amazon to donate funds for the UK to build a recycling facility capable of recycling these packages. Sadly I doubt they would do such a sensible and kind thing when they could just deny responsibility. Maybe they could be fined.

RenRav 7y ago

Even with the recyclable cardboard, wasn't the sheer scale too much for cities to handle?

dymk 7y ago

The article is unclear; it seems to imply these are only non-recyclable in the UK? I've been recycling these in the US with no problems.

mikestew 7y ago
Hmm, are they recyclable? Because I can't find clear messaging here in Redmond, WA with Waste Management. The little flyer doesn't address it, and there's no markings on the Amazon envelope that I see. I currently throw them away with regret. On a related note, I took delivery of a Boosted Rev scooter yesterday. Pretty big box, as one might imagine for a 40-some pound scooter. What amazed me was that after I broke down all the cardboard, what was not recyclable cardboard or paper would have fit in the front pockets of my jeans. Probably less non-recyclable trash than most of my Amazon deliveries.
jnwatson 7y ago
They are supposed to be recycled with plastic shopping bags. Most residential recycling doesn’t accept them (but the grocery stores do).
lsllc 7y ago
You put them in the recycle bin on the curb and on trash day the guys dump the bin into the recycle truck. How is it that you know they don't cause problems?
blue_devil 7y ago
Really? https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/02/11/why-amazons-new-streamlined-packaging-is-jamming-up-recycling-centers/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2019/02/11/why-ama... Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/amsc?ref=your_acct_asc https://www.amazon.co.uk/amsc?ref=your_acct_asc >>Some local authorities will collect this material as part of household recycling. Where not available, use designated store drop-off locations where plastic film is accepted The "old" carton sleeves: >> Cardboard envelopes are widely recyclable as part of household recycling programmes. Check with your local authority for more details.

SamReidHughes 7y ago

If it's a cost savings, who cares if it's recyclable? Throwing it in the trash is carbon sequestration.