Everything You Need to Know About Our Compostable Packing Peanuts
What are compostable packing peanuts made from? Our packing peanuts are made from cornstarch and other plant-based materials. Unlike traditional Styrofoam peanuts made from petroleum-based polystyrene, ours are 100% biodegradable and derived from renewable resources.
How do I dispose of them? You have several eco-friendly options:
Compost them: Add them to your home compost bin where they'll break down naturally
Dissolve them: Place them in water and they'll dissolve completely—safe to pour down the drain
Reuse them: Save them for your own shipping needs or crafts
Trash: If composting isn't available, they'll biodegrade in landfills unlike traditional packing peanuts
Will they really dissolve in water? Yes! Our cornstarch-based packing peanuts dissolve completely in water within minutes. You can test this yourself—just drop one in a glass of water and watch it disappear. The resulting liquid is non-toxic and safe for standard plumbing systems.
Are they safe for kids and pets? While our packing peanuts are made from food-grade materials and are non-toxic, they're not intended for consumption. They're safe to handle and won't cause harm if accidentally ingested in small amounts, but please keep them away from young children and pets who might try to eat them.
How long do they take to break down? In a compost environment, our packing peanuts typically break down within 30-90 days depending on conditions. In water, they dissolve in just a few minutes. Compare this to traditional Styrofoam peanuts, which can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Can I put them in my curbside compost bin? Most municipal composting programs accept cornstarch-based packing materials, but we recommend checking with your local program first. If you're unsure, dissolving them in water is always a safe option.
Do they protect products as well as Styrofoam? Absolutely! Our compostable packing peanuts provide excellent cushioning and protection for your products during shipping. They're just as effective as traditional packing peanuts but without the environmental impact.
Why don't they dissolve during shipping if it rains? Our packing peanuts are designed to be water-resistant during normal shipping conditions. They're protected inside your sealed package and won't dissolve from humidity or brief moisture exposure. They only dissolve when fully submerged in water for an extended period.
Can I reuse them for my own shipping? Yes! If you're shipping items yourself, feel free to reuse our packing peanuts. They're durable enough for multiple uses and it's a great way to extend their lifecycle before composting.
Are they more expensive than regular packing peanuts? While compostable packing peanuts may cost slightly more than traditional Styrofoam, we believe the environmental benefits are worth it. By choosing our products, you're supporting sustainable practices and helping reduce plastic pollution.
What if my local area doesn't have composting facilities? No problem! The beauty of our packing peanuts is their versatility. You can dissolve them in water at home, add them to a backyard compost pile, or even use them in your garden soil where they'll break down naturally and add organic matter.
Do they attract pests or rodents? Because they're made from plant-based materials, there's a small possibility they could attract pests if left exposed outdoors for extended periods. We recommend disposing of them promptly or storing them in a sealed container if you plan to reuse them.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Choosing compostable packing peanuts is just one way we're working to reduce our environmental footprint. From our natural ingredients to our eco-friendly packaging, every decision we make considers the health of our planet.
Have more questions? We're here to help! Contact us at help@stevescleaners.com and we'll be happy to answer any questions about our packaging or sustainability practices
